State Rep. talks about death of fellow lawmaker

LANSING — Local leaders, constituents and friends are mourning the loss of a State Representative from Northern Lower Michigan.

According to our sister station, WBKB, State Representative Peter Pettalia of downstate Presque Isle was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 61 Monday night. The Montmorency County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police responded to the accident.

The incident remains under investigation. Pettalia was a member of several committees in the State House and served as the chair for the house committee on transportation and infrastructure.

“Pete was more than a friend. Pete was a great friend and colleague,” said State Rep. John Kivela (D–Marquette). “Our offices are on the 14th floor. There’s five of us up there. We have a family up there… we’re kind of shell–shocked. I hugged his staffers this morning. We cried together. It’s tough stuff.”

Pettalia was scheduled to finish his third and final term in the house this fall.