MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Councilman Jonathan Brostoff and former Councilman Terry Witkowski have died, according to a news release from Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s office on Monday, November 4.

A city spokesperson confirmed that Brostoff committed suicide. He was found in Greenfield Park in West Allis, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.

“Jonathan brought a unique energy to his work at City Hall. His passion and dedication were evident every day. No elected official brought more enthusiasm to their work than Jonathan,” Johnson said in the release. “He was a husband, a father, a son and, to me, a good friend. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Brostoff was elected to Milwaukee’s 3rd District seat on the Common Council in November 2022. He previously served as a Wisconsin state representative for the 19th Assembly District.

Jonathan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in political science. While in college, he worked for Senator Tom Harkin in Washington, DC, served as president of the UWM College Democrats, and completed the United Nations Summer Seminar program.

He received numerous awards and recognitions for his work to improve the community

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Witkowski, who died of natural causes, served on the Milwaukee Common Council from 2003 to 2019, representing District 13.

Submitted

Related: Milwaukee Councilman Terry Witkowski resigns (as of 2019)

“Terry has spent most of his professional life serving the people of our city. As a former leader of the Milwaukee Safety Commission, he led efforts to protect our residents,” Johnson said. “During his service on the Milwaukee Common Council, Terry was a champion for his South Side district. Every time I hear or see a reference to the Garden District, I think of Terry’s work. I offer my condolences to Terry’s family and friends.”

Leaders across Wisconsin reacted to the news on Monday.

Among them was West Allis Mayor Dan Devine, who shared his condolences on Facebook.

“I have had the privilege of knowing Councilman Brostoff for a number of years and admired his dedication to serving the people he represented and the city of Milwaukee,” Devine said.
“I also knew Councilman Witkowski personally through his work on the League of Wisconsin Municipalities council. Both gentlemen were dedicated public servants with a deep love for the city of Milwaukee and a passion for serving its residents.”

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