Finnish MP dies in parliament, reports suggest suicide

LONDON

A Finnish lawmaker died on Tuesday in the country’s parliament building, reportedly by suicide, according to local media.

Social Democratic Party lawmaker Eemeli Peltonen died in the Finnish Parliament House, broadcaster Yle reported, citing official sources.

Parliament’s communications office also confirmed that the first-term lawmaker had died.

The parliamentary work community said in a statement that it shares in his family's grief.

Aaro Toivonen, parliament’s security chief, was earlier quoted as saying by Finnish daily Iltalehti: "A death took place in the morning. Emergency medical services, rescue units, and police authorities were alerted to the scene via the emergency center."

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo confirmed the death during a press briefing in city the eastern city of Kajaani, where the National Coalition Party’s parliamentary group is having its annual summer meeting.

"Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from parliament, our shared workplace. One of our colleagues has died on the parliamentary premises. This is very sad news," Orpo was quoted as saying by Yle.

In June, Peltonen said on US social media company Facebook that he was dealing with health issues, including a kidney condition, and had been absent from parliament during the final weeks of the spring session and had sick leave over the summer.