House Speaker Scott Bedke just announced “some bad news” to the House: “Former Rep. Brandon Hixon has tragically taken his own life. Our thoughts go first to family and friends who are suffering from this loss.”

Bedke said, “We should … support those who are close to us when they are struggling. Please remember Brandon’s family in your prayers.”

Hixon, R-Caldwell, resigned from the House in November amid a criminal investigation into sexual abuse, though no charges were filed; he subsequently was twice arrested for driving under the influence, with the first arrest also including a charge of resisting arrest.

Hixon was first elected to the House in 2012; he was re-elected in 2014 with 58.9 percent of the vote. After Hixon’s resignation, Gov. Butch Otter appointed Jarom Wagoner, a city planner from Caldwell, to serve out the remainder of Hixon’s term.

KTVB-TV reports that Caldwell Police found Hixon's body at about 7 a.m. at his home. The Idaho Press-Tribune reports that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Canyon County Coroner's Office. 

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