The Associated Press
ALPENA, Mich. — A three-term state lawmaker died in a motorcycle accident Monday evening, a northern Michigan sheriff said.
Republican state Rep. Peter Pettalia was killed in an accident on M-33 South in Montmorency County, Sheriff Don Edwards told The Alpena News. Pettalia’s death was also confirmed by legislative leaders.
No details about what caused the accident were immediately available. A Montmorency County sheriff’s dispatcher and Michigan State Police told The Associated Press a statement would be issued later.
Rob Winkelman, Pettalia’s legislative director, told The Detroit News that Pettalia had been riding his motorcycle from Alpena to Lansing for Tuesday’s legislative session.
Pettalia, a longtime resident of Presque Isle, was elected to his first term in 2010. According to the biography on his House website, he and his wife, Karen, have two adult children.
#BREAKING: State Rep. Peter Pettalia has died at the age of 61. https://t.co/Z7qXSjQBO6 pic.twitter.com/BiZfLN7MvZ
— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) September 13, 2016
Gov. Rick Snyder issued a statement saying Pettalia had a long career of service that also included work as a volunteer firefighter and a township supervisor. Snyder offered his condolences to Pettalia’s family and said flags will be lowered in his honor.
GOP House Speaker Kevin Cotter called Pettalia a dear friend and longtime colleague well known for his expertise, hard work and love for the outdoors.
“His fellow Republican representatives elected him last year into a leadership position in our caucus, and everyone from both parties looked up to him as a senior member of the state House,” Cotter said.
Sue & I were heartbroken to hear of the death of Rep. Pettalia & send condolences on behalf of the state to his family, colleagues & friends
— Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) September 13, 2016
Pettalia’s death comes after another state representative, Julie Plawecki of Dearborn Heights, died in June of an apparent heart attack.