Mississippi Representative Jessica Upshaw was found dead in an apparent suicide on Sunday, authorities said, and reported by Foxnews.com. She appears to have shot herself in the head at the home of former state Rep. Clint Rotenberry in Menderhall, located about 30 miles southeast of Jackson, according to MSNewsNow.com. He was not arrested in the case. Why she went over to his house, and what she was doing there is unknown.
Rep. Upshaw was 53.
Simpson County Sheriff Kenneth Lewis said that it appears Upshaw shot herself in the head, and said authorities are waiting for an autopsy to confirm her official cause of death.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant released a statement on her death saying, "I have known Jessica for many years as an unselfish and dedicated public servant. This is a tragic loss for her family and all Mississippians and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this difficult time," Bryant said.
Upshaw was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2004. She represented Hancock and Harrison counties since then. She chaired the House Conservation and Water Resources Committee and was a member of the Mississippi Legislative Conservative Coalition and American Legislative Exchange Council.
"Once again this session, the House has been touched by tragedy," House Speaker Philip Gunn said in a statement. "Rep. Jessica Upshaw was an outstanding legislator and friend. She was one of the brightest and most competent members of the House."
She was affiliated with the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames and the Organe Grove/Lyman Chamber of Commerce, Foxnews.com reported.
Upshaw was also described as a passionate champion of causes related to her 95th District in Diamondhead, Mississippii. "This is an instance where replacement is not possible. Jessica will be sorely missed," Representative Bobby Moak said.
Upshaw was not married, but has an adult daughter living with her husband and daughter in South Korea.
No one has been arrested in the case, and the investigation has been handed over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, The Daily Mail reported.
