LANSING, MI.)–The death of State Representative John Kivela continues to be investigated. He was found dead in his Lansing home with the cause being an apparent suicide.
Kivela had been arrested Monday night and charged with suspected drunk driving. Kivela was released from custody after posting a cash bond. He was reported to be distraught.
According to House Democratic Leader Sam Singh in a statement released about Kivela’s death: “I am deeply saddened at the passing of state Rep. John Kivela. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Sandy, and his two children. He was a champion for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and a strong advocate for working people throughout Michigan. He was my friend, and I will miss him. We will always remember the impact that he made on this institution and the state of Michigan.”
Gov. Rick Snyder has also released a statement on Kivela’s passing: “The news of Rep. John Kivela’s passing is devastating to all who knew and worked with him. Lt. Gov. Calley and I spent a lot of time working with John in his district — he was a great person and this is very sad news. John was a tremendous partner in the Legislature who always put the needs of his constituents in Marquette and the Upper Peninsula first. It is with great sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and colleagues in the Legislature as we mourn his untimely passing.” Lansing Police are continuing to investigate Kivela’s death. Condolences to his family.
(Aaron Harper,WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com