John Kivela Explained

State House:Michigan
District:109th
Term Start:January 1, 2013
Term End:May 9, 2017
Predecessor:Steve Lindberg
Successor:Sara Cambensy
Office2:Mayor of Marquette
Term Start2:November 10, 2008
Term End2:November 13, 2012
Predecessor2:Tom Tourville
Successor2:Johnny DePetro
Birth Date:14 May 1969
Birth Place:Marquette, Michigan
Death Place:Lansing, Michigan
Death Cause:Suicide by hanging
Party:Democratic
Spouse:Sandra Kivela
Children:Shelby and Andrew
Residence:Marquette, Michigan
Website:Rep. 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.

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]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Loanna E. . Ammerman . 2013 . Chapter III: The Legislative Branch . http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(1lifqu55kmjtvi45tn5v04md))/documents/2013-2014/michiganmanual/2013-MM-P0200-p0200.pdf . Michigan Manual 2013–2014 . 200 . Lansing . Legislative Council, State of Michigan . 978-1-878210-06-7 . 0091-1933 . May 9, 2017 . registration .
  2. News: Kivela, John (D) . MIRS Biographical Profiles . MIRS .
  3. News: Death certificate confirms Kivela committed suicide . Michael . Gerstein . The Detroit News . May 11, 2017 .
  4. News: Lawmaker dies from apparent suicide after 2nd drunk driving arrest . Egan . Paul . May 9, 2017 . Detroit Free Press . May 9, 2017 . Gray . Kathleen . en . Haxel . Chris .