John Kivela

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	(1969-05-14)May 14, 1969 Marquette, Michigan
Died	May 9, 2017(2017-05-09) (aged 47) Lansing, Michigan
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

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

1. 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.
2. "Kivela, John (D)". MIRS Biographical Profiles. MIRS.
3. Gerstein, Michael (May 11, 2017). "Death certificate confirms Kivela committed suicide". The Detroit News.
4. 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.