The US judge, Frank Caprio, who amassed a huge online fan base via clips of his compassion in the courtroom, passed away at 88.
Frank Caprio was on the bench at a court in Providence, Rhode Island, for almost four decades. Due to his unique behavior with the accused, he was famous around the world.
He became affectionately known as the “nicest judge in the world” after viral videos of him handing out justice with a smile were viewed more than a billion times on social media.
The latter years of his career, which ended in 2023, were documented in a TV show.
A statement on Wednesday on his Instagram page, which had 3.2 million followers, said he had died aged 88 “after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer”.
It said he was “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people”.
He had posted a message from his hospital bed the day before, saying: “Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback, I’m back in the hospital now, and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”
