Wisconsin State Sen. Rick Gudex Dies of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

WISCONSIN -- A Wisconsin State Senator is dead after the Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner has determined that State Sen. Rick Gudex died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest.

Gudex was discovered deceased at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the Town of Eden in Fond du Lac County. The 48-year-old Gudex was not seeking re-election to the State Senate seat he has occupied since 2013.

Here is his official state biography:

Born Fond du Lac, July 23, 1968; married; 2 children. Graduate St. Mary Springs H.S. (Fond du Lac) 1986. Full-time legislator. Former production manager. Member: Knights of Columbus Council 664; Elks Club BPOE #57; Wis. Small Business Development Center Adv. Bd.; Fond du Lac Co. Farm Bureau; Fond du Lac Co. Republican Party; Winnebago Co. Republican Party. Mayor of Mayville 1998-2000. Fond du Lac City Council 2009-12.
Elected to Senate 2012. President Pro Tempore 2015.
Member of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Colleagues Pay Respect:

Governor Scott Walker released the following statement today following news of the passing of Senator Rick Gudex:

“Tonette and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Rick Gudex. Rick was a good man who served his community and state well, and he will be missed. Our hearts and our prayers go out to his wife Kim and their two children during this difficult time.”

Senate Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir, R–Brookfield, issued the following statement:
“The state of Wisconsin suffered a tremendous loss today with the passing of my good friend and colleague, Rick Gudex.

State Sen. Van Wanggaard also released a statement this morning on the passing of his colleague in the Wisconsin State Senate:

“Please hold Senator Rick Gudex, his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Rick was a good senator, and an even better person. Wisconsin has lost a champion today. He will be missed.”

image: wisconsin state legislature files