City of Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff has passed away. TMJ4 reports that “a city spokesperson confirmed that Brostoff died by suicide. He was found in Greenfield Park in West Allis, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.” Brostoff was 41.
Here are statements from various officials, colleagues, and friends. Personally speaking, Jonathan was a blazingly passionate politician who was helpful and responsive any time I reached out to him, and friendly and warm any time I bumped into him. He was a fellow East Sider, a fellow father, and a fellow nerd. (He was a hell of a Magic player.) Milwaukee Record‘s thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be sorely missed.
For anyone seeking support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by dialing 988. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line is accessible by texting HELLO to 741741.
Milwaukee County’s Behavioral Health Division offers immediate support through its 24-Hour Crisis Line at (414) 257-7222.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
“Jonathan’s passing is a tragedy to all who knew him and for the many whose lives have been bettered because of his service and advocacy. As a legislator, Jonathan was always eager to seek the good in others, always working in earnest to bridge divides and bring people together of different backgrounds and perspectives.
“There are few who advocate as zealously and tenaciously as Jonathan did for the people and causes he cared about. Whether it was supporting the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing community, increasing shared revenue, expanding access to mental health services, or any of the many other issues he focused on, Jonathan fully devoted himself to the work and was relentless in pursuing the change he believed in.
“Like so many, Kathy and I are shocked and saddened by Jonathan’s passing, and we are keeping his wife, Diana, their four young kids, their families and friends, and all those who knew and loved Jonathan close to our hearts. We lost him far, far too soon.”
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
“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. He was a husband, a father, a son, and, to me, a close friend. My thoughts and sympathy go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley
“Today, Milwaukee County lost a beloved leader, partner, and dear friend. I am devastated by the passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. He was a hard worker, a fierce advocate, a loving husband and father, and a positive influence on everyone who knew him.
“Our friendship goes back to our days of community organizing, where we discovered our shared passion for improving Milwaukee County. From there, Jonathan and I worked our way up, eventually serving together in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Every day, we walked through the halls of the State Capitol to support working families, build healthier communities, and foster a brighter future for our children. After our time in Madison, Jonathan was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, where he continued working on behalf of the people. Jonathan never lost sight of why he ran for office: To make a difference in the lives of all Milwaukeeans.
“Jonathan consistently brought new ideas, contagious energy, and endless optimism to every room he entered. When he saw an opportunity to benefit his constituents, he seized it. When he saw a challenge to overcome, he worked with others to address it. Throughout the years, Jonathan and I remained close friends and colleagues. We should all learn from Jonathan’s leadership, compassion, and genuine love for those around him.
“My heart and prayers are with his wife, their children, and the many Wisconsinites who also consider Jonathan what I did: a dear friend.”
Milwaukee County Supervisors Felesia Martin and Sequanna Taylor
“The Milwaukee County community mourns the loss of Alderperson Jonathan Brostoff, a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Milwaukee defined his work. Jonathan’s passion for service was clear in his work on the Milwaukee Common Council, and the Wisconsin State Assembly where he tirelessly fought for a more inclusive and equitable city.
“Jonathan’s dedication to those he served was both inspiring and relentless. He understood that democracy thrives when it is representative and accessible, and he championed that vision in every initiative he pursued. His legacy will live on in the lives
he touched and the community he helped shape. He brought heart to public service, and his spirit will continue to inspire us all to work for a better and brighter Milwaukee. Rest well with your ancestors, dear friend.”
Milwaukee Common Council: José G. Pérez, Andrea M. Pratt, Mark Chambers, Jr., Robert J. Bauman, Lamont Westmoreland, Milele A. Coggs, DiAndre Jackson, JoCasta Zamarripa, Larresa Taylor, Sharlen P. Moore, Peter Burgelis, Scott Spiker, Marina Dimitrijevic, Russell W. Stamper, II
“As colleagues, and as friends, we are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff.
“Jonathan was a loving father and husband, and greeted everyone he met with empathy and kindness. He was also a passionate advocate for the betterment of our community, and dedicated his professional life to the people he represented. It was an honor to have served in office with him, and he will be missed.
“Out of respect for his family, we would ask that they be provided the privacy and time to grieve that they most certainly deserve.”