A New York congressional candidate was found dead just weeks after he stepped down from the race.
Kyle Van De Water, 41, was pursuing a seat in the House of Representatives to represent the mid-Hudson Valley region of New York. According to the New York Post, the Afghanistan war veteran was found dead on Tuesday in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery two weeks later.
Sources say the man’s death was “likely a suicide” following an investigation. When he announced he’d be dropping out of the race, he mentioned that his life had “changed.”
“Unfortunately, circumstances in my life have changed, and I am no longer able to give 110% towards this endeavor,” said Van De Water. “I have been truly humbled by and will be forever grateful for all of the support I have received these past few years. It has been an honor getting to meet so many of you as I traveled across the district,” he wrote in a tweet.
Van De Water leaves behind a wife and four children. He served eight years in the army, from 2006 to 2014, when he was honorably discharged. He was awarded a Bronze Star in 2011 for his commitment to the U.S. military.