Michigan state Democratic Representative John Kivela was found dead Tuesday from an apparent suicide after being arrested Monday on suspicion of “super drunk” driving. Less than two years ago he plead guilty to a similar charge.
The Michigan House adjourned Tuesday without action on Tuesday after Democrats and Republicans learned about Kivela’s death during a series of emotional closed-door meetings.
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After 1 p.m., the Lansing police were called to a residence in the 200 block of Chestnut Street, where a man was discovered not breathing, said Public Information Officer Robert Merritt. The body was identified as that of John Kivela. “We are still doing an investigation, but there are no obvious indications of foul play,” Merritt said, adding that no cause of death can be determined until an autopsy is done. h/t detroitnews
Gov. Rick Snyder shared the “sad news” at a news conference announcing his nominee for the Michigan Supreme Court to replace retired Justice Robert Young Jr.
“We’ve been told that Rep. Kivela has passed,” Snyder said. “…He’s had a number of issue in his life and apparently he took his own life. Our thoughts and prayers are with he and his family. He was a great guy. Brian and I were both with him most of Friday (in the Upper Peninsula). We’ll miss him.”