Representative John Kiveal, former mayor of Marquette, arrested Monday afternoon along US 127 for suspected drunk driving.
It wasn't Kivela's first time being arrested. Back in 2015 he was charged under Michigan's super drunk law, meaning his alcohol level was at least twice the legal limit. Kivela blew a .23 back then, nearly three times the legal limit. During Monday's arrest it was at least .17.
He was released from Clinton County jail sometime Tuesday morning.
Police found Kivela's body here in his own home on Chestnut just a little after 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.
Lansing Police had their crime scene unit conducting a death investigation. They don't believe foul play is involved.
Kivela was well-liked in the community. David Waymire works right next door to Kivela's house. He says he was a great guy who took good care of his yard... And that his death was tragic.
"Just a friendly guy to be around,” Waymire said. “It's really not the kind of thing you want to see happen to anybody in the community."
He says Kivela often shared the house with other legislators. One of which was Senator David Knezek who wrote a long, heartfelt post about Kivela on his Facebook.
"I wish you would have known just how many of us loved you and knew just how devastated everyone is in Lansing today. I can't even begin to imagine how people are feeling in Marquette. I've gotten text messages from democrats and republicans alike who are just beside themselves."
4:00 p.m. 5/9/2017
Lansing Police tell us that officers were called to a home in the 200 block of N. Chestnut Street in Lansing for a death investigation.
When police arrived on the scene, they located a man who was dead, identified as Representative John Kivela. They are currently investigating the death. Police say there is no obvious indication of foul play. The cause of death is being determined, and an autopsy will be performed.
Lawmakers from around the state have released statements on Rep. Kivela's death. Sen Jim Ananich released a statement, saying "“I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend and colleague, state Representative John Kivela. Rep. Kivela was a good man, a great legislator and an outstanding advocate for the people of northern Michigan. His family is in our prayers. He will be missed.”
Statement from the Michigan Democratic Party "We are deeply saddened to learn of John Kivela’s death. Having served with John in the legislature, I know how much he cared about his family, his friends, and the people he served in Marquette. Our hearts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to his wife, Sandy, and his children, Shelby and Andrew.”
Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, today issued the following statement upon learning that Rep. John Kivela, D-Marquette, has passed away:
“We are all devastated to hear the news about Rep. Kivela today. He was a good friend and partner to everyone he met in the House, and he was an absolute joy to work with. He cared deeply about his family, his community, and his work as a public servant, and it came through strongly in every conversation we had.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, including his wife Sandy and his two children. This is a terrible loss, and he will be truly missed.”
Gov. Rick Snyder has released the following statement on the death of Rep. Kivela “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.”
Records from the Clinton County Sheriff's Office show state Rep. John Kivela was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving on Monday, May 8.
Records indicate Kivela had a blood alcohol content of more than .17 percent.
That was not Kivela's first arrest on suspicion of drunk driving. In November of 2015, the 47 year old Democrat pleaded guilty to drunk driving in Clinton County.
He was ordered to serve one year of probation and pay about $1,600 in fines.
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UPDATE: A state representative from Michigan's Upper Peninsula has been found dead hours after he was released from jail on what may have been his second drunken driving arrest in less than two years.
Police say John Kivela's body was found about 1 p.m. Tuesday at a Lansing home and that there are no obvious indications of foul play.
Clinton County Sheriff Lawrence Jerue told The Associated Press that the Marquette Democrat was arrested Monday on southbound U.S. 127 near Maple Rapids. Jerue would not say what charge Kivela faced, but the Detroit Free Press reported he was arrested for drunken driving.
Jerue said Kivela was released Tuesday on bond.
Kivela pleaded guilty in December 2015 to drunken driving after his arrest the previous month in Clinton County.
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Records from the Clinton County Sheriff's Office show state Rep. John Kivela was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving on Monday.
Records indicate Kivela had a blood alcohol content of more than .17 percent.
This is not Kivela's first arrest on suspicion of drunk driving. In November of 2015, the 47 year old Democrat pleaded guilty to drunk driving in Clinton County.
He was ordered to serve one year of probation and pay about $1,600 in fines.
