Father of Sandy Hook victim dead of apparent suicide

The father of one of the 20 children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was found dead Monday in an apparent suicide, police said.

Police in Newtown, Connecticut, were dispatched to the Edmond Town Hall about 7 a.m. Police and paramedics found the body of Jeremy Richman, 49, of Newtown.

Police with the Connecticut Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating the cause of death. The death appears to be a suicide, but police will not disclose the method or any other details of the death, only to state the death does not to appear to be suspicious.

Richman’s body was transported to the Connecticut State Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy.

Richman had an office the Edmond Town Hall and is the founder of Avielle Foundation, an organization named for his daughter, Avielle Richman, who was a victim in the Sandy Hook tragedy.

"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," Lt. Aaron Bahamonde said.

Richman's death comes as officials in Parkland, Florida, are publicizing counseling services after two survivors of a high school massacre there killed themselves.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text 741-741.