30-Year-Old Lawmaker Dies by Suicide in Finnish Parliament Building: Reports
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Finnish politician Eemeli Peltonen has died at age 30, the country's parliament confirmed on its website on Tuesday, Aug. 19
"The parliamentary community extends its condolences to his family," the post read
Local media outlets listed the cause of death as suicide
Finnish politician Eemeli Peltonen has died by suicide at age 30, according to local media reports.
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the Parliament of Finland's website confirmed Peltonen's death, writing that he had "passed away at the Parliament Building" earlier that day.
"He was a first-term MP from the electoral district of Uusimaa. He represented the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group," the post read.
It concluded, "The parliamentary community extends its condolences to his family."
Local outlet Helsingin Sanomat (HS) stated that the Helsinki Police Command Center had responded to reports that a person had died at around 11 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
The publication and local paper Ilta-Sanomat listed the cause of death as suicide. HS confirmed that police are investigating, but foul play isn't suspected.
The latter outlet spoke with security director Aaro Toivonen who would "not confirm or deny the information about the suicide."
The country's prime minister, Petteri Orpo, said, 'Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from parliament, our common workplace. One of our colleagues has passed away on parliament premises. This is truly sad news," per The Telegraph.
"We wish strength to his family, loved ones and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us, we send greetings and strength to everyone,' he added, according to the outlet.
The paper stated that MPs working for the Finnish parliament are currently on summer break, and they're expected to return to work on Sept. 2.
Peltonen last posted on Instagram on June 26 to confirm he'd been taking time off work after suffering a kidney problem, before developing an infection.
"I'm already discharged from hospital, but due to the situation I'm on summer sick leave and I'm now fully focused on recovering from the illness. For this reason, I will get back to your possible messages and contacts later," he wrote in the translated message, alongside a photograph of some pink flowers.
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Peltonen became a first-term MP in 2023, per paper Iltalehti. Before that, he worked as a communications expert and parliamentary assistant for the Finnish Service Industries Union (PAM), HS reported.
Petteri Orpo's office and the National Police Board of Finland didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
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