Bill Richardson, a prominent figure in American politics who served as the governor of New Mexico, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton, has passed away at the age of 75. The Richardson Center for Global Engagement confirmed his death on Saturday.

Mickey Bergman, Vice President of the Richardson Center, expressed his condolences, stating, “Governor Richardson passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. He dedicated his entire life to serving others, both during his time in government and in his subsequent career, where he worked tirelessly to free individuals held hostage or unjustly detained abroad,” Bergman said.

“Governor Richardson was always willing to engage with anyone if it meant bringing freedom to those who were wrongfully held. The world has lost an advocate for those unjustly detained abroad, and I have lost a mentor and a dear friend.”

Richardson was recently nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts in rescuing Americans, including WNBA player Brittney Griner. Throughout the past thirty years, he traveled extensively, negotiating and securing the release of American prisoners and hostages in countries such as Bangladesh, North Korea, Sudan, Colombia, and Iraq. The Richardson Center, a non-profit organization, was established to support the former governor in fostering dialogue and promoting global peace between nations with strained diplomatic relations.