Husband of Omaha mayor found dead outside home

OMAHA, Neb. — Joseph Stothert, the husband of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, was found dead Friday at the couple’s home, authorities said. He was 72.

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Police received a call at 1:53 p.m. CT about a shooting at the couple’s home, the Omaha World-Herald reported. In a news release, the Omaha Police Department said that officers located a deceased male at the home, later identified as Joseph Stothert.

No foul play is suspected, the newspaper reported.

“It is with great sadness today that we share the tragic loss of Joe Stothert with family, friends and our loving community,” the mayor’s office said in a statement. “Joe’s dedication and affection for everyone he cared for serve as a bright light of human kindness for all of us to follow. Our family asks for your prayers at this very difficult time. We will need them. We also ask for privacy so our family may grieve and remember an extraordinary and caring husband, father and grandfather.”

Stothert was a critical care surgery specialist associated with the Nebraska Medical Center, KETV reported. He has been a practicing physician for more than 47 years.

He and Jean Stothert were married for 40 years, according to the mayor’s website. They have two children and three grandchildren.

Joseph Stothert was one of the surgeons who treated Fred Wilson, who survived after losing three-quarters of his blood in a 2007 mass shooting at Omaha’s Von Maur department store, the World-Herald reported. He also served for 18 years as the medical director for the Omaha Fire Department’s paramedic training program, the newspaper reported.

Jean Stothert, a Republican, is running for a third term as mayor.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., released a statement offering condolences.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Stothert and her family during this very sad time,” Fischer said.

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