John Kivela, a state representative from Marquette, Michigan, was found dead from apparent suicide at his Lansing home Tuesday just hours after his release from jail following a DUI arrest.
Kivela, 47, was arrested Monday and arrest records show he had a blood-alcohol level of more than .17, MLive reported. The arrest was Kivela’s second for drunk driving, with another arrest occurring in 2015.
The Michigan legislature was somber after learning of Kivela’s death, MLive said. The Democrat legislator was known for trying to bring people together to get to know each other and work jointly on legislation.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said he was praying for Kivela’s family, the Detroit Free Press reported. “It’s a very sad day,” he said.
"He was a champion for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and a strong advocate for working people throughout Michigan," House minority leader Sam Singh said, the Free Press reported. "He was my friend, and I will miss him."
Kivela was formerly mayor of Marquette and enjoyed giving tours of Marquette to colleagues when they visited, the Free Press reported.
“We thought he was doing OK. You never know what the person next to you, what’s going on in their life. We just have to start talking to each other more,” fellow Rep. Andy Schoor said, the Free Press reported.
Kivela is survived by wife Sandy and two adult children.
Twitter remembered Kivela as a person who wanted to bring people together and cared about his community.