Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich was reported dead Feb. 26, 2015, following a "medical situation at his home."(Photo: Missouri State Auditor's office)
ST. LOUIS — Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich, who was a Republican candidate for governor,
died of self-inflicted gunshot wound Thursday, authorities say.
Schweich, 54,was hospitalized Thursday following a "medical situation at his home," a spokesman said.
Clayton Police Chief Kevin Murphy said Schweich sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He says officers believe the incident was a suicide.
"There is nothing to suggest anything other than that (suicide) at this point. We are conducting an investigation," he said.
An autopsy has been requested.
Schweich's press secretary Spence Jackson released the following statement:
"It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich today. Please keep in mind his wife Kathy and two children."
Late last month, Schweich announced he would seek the Republican nomination for governor, facing fellow Republican Catherine Hanaway.
Schweich was re-elected last November to a second term as auditor.
A prayer service has been scheduled Thursday in the Missouri House chamber.
In a statement, Gov. Jay Nixon expressed his condolences.
"I join all Missourians in mourning the passing of State Auditor Tom Schweich, a brilliant, devoted and accomplished public servant who dedicated his career to making Missouri and the world a better place. From his courageous work to combat the illegal drug trade abroad in Afghanistan to his tireless efforts to protect the interests of taxpayers here in Missouri, Tom Schweich's exceptional intellect and unwavering dedication to public service left a legacy that will endure for many years to come. The First Lady and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Tom's wife Kathy and two children, Emilie and Thomas, Jr."
Nixon also has ordered flags at all Missouri state facilities to be immediately lowered to half-staff to honor his passing.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay released a statement saying his thoughts and prayers are with Schweich's family.
According to his website, Schweich was a fifth-generation Missourian. He attended public school in St. Louis County before attending Yale University and then Harvard Law School. He practiced law for more than 20 years at Bryan Cave LLP and authored three books.
Schweich made his political debut in 2010, by unseating Democratic Auditor Susan Montee. He previously worked as a private-sector attorney and for the federal government.
He also served as chief of staff to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and later worked in the State Department, where he was assigned to coordinate an anti-drug initiative in Afghanistan.
Schweich met his wife Kathy in seventh grade. He has two children, Emilie and Thomas Jr.
Contributing: KSDK-TV, St. Louis
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