MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff and former Alderman Terry Witkowski have died, according to a press release from Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s office on Monday, Nov. 4.
A city spokesperson confirmed that Brostoff, 41, died by suicide. He was found in Greenfield Park in West Allis, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office.
Brostoff was elected to Milwaukee’s 3rd District seat on the Common Council in November 2022. He previously served as a Wisconsin state representative for the 19th Assembly District.
“Jonathan brought a unique energy to his work at City Hall. His passion and dedication were evident every day. No elected official brought more enthusiasm to their work than Jonathan,” Johnson said in the release. “He was a husband, a father, a son, and, to me, a close friend. My thoughts and sympathy go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Watch: Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, former Alderman Terry Witkowski have died:
Brostoff graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in political science. While in college, he worked for Senator Tom Harkin in Washington, D.C., was chair of the UWM College Democrats, and completed the United Nations Summer Seminar program.
He received numerous awards and recognitions for his work to better the community
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.
An executive order lowering the flags to half-staff will be forthcoming when funeral services have been announced, according to a spokesperson for Gov. Tony Evers.
Witkowski, who died of natural causes, served on the Milwaukee Common Council representing District 13 from 2003 to 2019.
His death is unrelated to Brostoff's.
Related: Milwaukee Alderman Terry Witkowski resigns [from 2019]
“Terry spent most of his professional life serving the people of our city. As the longtime leader of the Milwaukee Safety Commission, he led efforts to protect our residents,” Johnson said. “In his service on the Milwaukee Common Council, Terry was a champion for his southside district. Every time I hear or see a reference to the Garden District, I will think of Terry’s work. To Terry’s family and friends, I offer my condolences.”
Ryan Laessig used to live in the Garden District and worked closely with Terry through the Garden District Neighborhood Association.
They helped bring the mural on 11th and Layton to life. Laessig was very sad to learn of Terry's passing on Monday.
"Terry was just a kind, generous man who really would go the extra mile for anybody he talked to, whether it was making sure that your flowers got watered because he lived on your block or, you know, being passionate about what's happening in Milwaukee and in his community, so just an overall great guy," said Laessig.
West Allis Mayor Dan Devine also shared his condolences on Facebook.
"I have had the privilege of knowing Alderman Brostoff for several years and admired his commitment to serving the people he represented and the City of Milwaukee," Devine said. "Likewise, I knew Alderman Witkowski personally through his work on the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Board. Both of these gentlemen were dedicated public servants with a deep love for the City of Milwaukee and a passion for serving its people."
A GoFundMe has been created to help support Jonathan’s family as they cope with his loss.
You can find a link to that here.
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