Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich has died from a gunshot wound. His spokesman, Spence sent out a statement about 1:30 p.m. today:
“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.”
Earlier, the St. Louis Post Dispatch cited a police source as saying Schweich suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There has been no official confirmation of that at this time. The incident reportedly happened at his home near St. Louis this morning.
Schweich was treated at Barnes Jewish hospital. Schweich was seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Missouri.
The Missouri House of Representives scheduled an impromptu prayer service for 1:45 this afternoon.
Gov. Jay Nixon issued statement: “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,” Gov. Nixon said. “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 ordered flags at all Missouri state facilities to be lowered to half-staff.