John Kivela (May 14, 1969 – May 9, 2017) was an American politician who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013 until his death in 2017, and as Mayor of Marquette, Michigan, from 2008 until 2012.
John Kivela | |
---|---|
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 109th district | |
In office January 1, 2013 – May 9, 2017 | |
Preceded by | Steve Lindberg |
Succeeded by | Sara Cambensy |
Mayor of Marquette | |
In office November 10, 2008 – November 13, 2012 | |
Preceded by | Tom Tourville |
Succeeded by | Johnny DePetro |
Personal details | |
Born | Marquette, Michigan | May 14, 1969
Died | May 9, 2017 Lansing, Michigan | (aged 47)
Cause of death | Suicide by hanging |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Sandra Kivela |
Children | Shelby and Andrew |
Residence | Marquette, Michigan |
Website | Rep. John Kivela |
Kivela was first elected in 2012. His district consisted of Alger, Luce and Schoolcraft counties and part of Marquette County.[1]
His family owned an automotive repair and distributor business in Marquette.[2]
Death edit
Kivela was found dead on May 9, 2017, at a home he owned in Lansing, Michigan. He hanged himself.[3] Hours earlier, he was released from jail following his second arrest for drunk driving. After his first arrest in 2015, he acknowledged he had a lifelong drinking problem and said he was seeking help.[4]
References edit
- ^ Ammerman, Loanna E., ed. (2013). "Chapter III: The Legislative Branch" (PDF). Michigan Manual 2013–2014. Lansing: Legislative Council, State of Michigan. p. 200. ISBN 978-1-878210-06-7. ISSN 0091-1933. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
- ^ "Kivela, John (D)". MIRS Biographical Profiles. MIRS.
- ^ Gerstein, Michael (May 11, 2017). "Death certificate confirms Kivela committed suicide". The Detroit News.
- ^ Egan, Paul; Gray, Kathleen; Haxel, Chris (May 9, 2017). "Lawmaker dies from apparent suicide after 2nd drunk driving arrest". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 9, 2017.