Father of Sandy Hook victim found dead of apparent suicide

NEWTOWN, Conn. — The father of a six-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook tragedy has been found dead, according to Newtown Police.

Emergency crews were dispatched at around 7 a.m. on Monday to the Edmond Town Hall for reports of a suicide.

Upon arrival, paramedics found Jeremy Richman, 49, of Newtown, who was pronounced dead on scene.

Police, along with the Medical Examiner's Office, are investigating the cause of death, and while police will not disclose any further details, they say it appears to be a suicide. Offificals only add the death does not appear to be suspicious.

An autopsy is expected to be performed later in the day.

Richman has an office inside Edmond Town Hall and founded the Avielle Foundation after his daughter, Avielle Richman.

Avielle was among the 26 other students and staff killed on Dec. 14, 2012 when a gunman opened fire inside Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“This is a heart breaking event for the Richman family and the Newtown Community as a whole, the police department’s prayers are with the Richman family right now, and we ask that the family be given privacy in this most difficult time,” said Newtown Police Lt. Aaron Bahamonde.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 to provide free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. 

Cox Media Group