Rep. Brandon Hixon Commits Suicide Amid Sex Abuse Allegations

“Former Rep. Brandon Hixon has tragically taken his own life. Our thoughts go first to family and friends who are suffering from this loss, announce House Speaker Scott Bedke.

“We should … support those who are close to us when they are struggling. Please remember Brandon’s family in your prayers,” Bedke concluded.

Hixon, R-Caldwell, resigned from the House in November amid a criminal investigation into sexual abuse, though no charges were filed; he subsequently was twice arrested for driving under the influence, with the first arrest also including a charge of resisting arrest. Hixon was first elected to the House in 2012; he was re-elected in 2014 with 58.9 percent of the vote. After Hixon’s resignation, Gov. Butch Otter appointed Jarom Wagoner, a city planner from Caldwell, to serve out the remainder of Hixon’s term. source

News reports said that Caldwell Police found Hixon’s body at about 7 a.m. at his home. The Idaho Press-Tribune reports that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Canyon County Coroner’s Office.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends at this difficult time.