Local News
Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff died by suicide
Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, a dedicated public servant and Milwaukee native representing the city’s 3rd District, has died by suicide at age 41.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, reflecting on Brostoff’s “unique energy” and “unmatched passion” in serving the city. “No elected official brought more enthusiasm to their work than Jonathan,” Johnson said, describing Brostoff as not only a colleague but a close friend.
The mayor extended his heartfelt sympathies to Brostoff’s family, friends, and the community he so deeply cared about.
The Milwaukee Common Council also released a joint statement, acknowledging Brostoff as a compassionate father, husband, and dedicated advocate who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the city.
“Jonathan was a loving father and husband, who greeted everyone with empathy and kindness. His commitment to public service was unwavering,” the statement read, emphasizing the profound loss felt by his colleagues and urging privacy for his family as they grieve.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, a longtime friend and colleague, shared his own reflections on Brostoff’s life and career.
“Today, Milwaukee County lost a beloved leader, partner, and dear friend,” he said. Crowley recalled their days of community organizing, a shared journey that led both men to the Wisconsin State Legislature, where they championed issues affecting Milwaukee County and worked together to uplift the community. “Jonathan never lost sight of why he ran for office: to make a difference in the lives of all Milwaukeeans,” Crowley remarked, emphasizing Brostoff’s consistent commitment to innovation, optimism, and collaboration.
Brostoff, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alumnus, began his political career in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 19th District in 2014.
In 2022, he transitioned to represent Milwaukee’s Third District on the Common Council, continuing his mission to advocate for residents and push for progressive change. Known for his enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and dedication to community welfare, Brostoff left a lasting impact on those around him. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The Milwaukee Medical Examiner’s Office announced that an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5.
UPDATE: Search efforts have been suspended following the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, marking another tragic loss for the city’s historic fishing community.
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted early Friday morning by the vessel’s emergency beacon after it activated in the water; no mayday call was received.
Responders located a debris field, an unoccupied life raft, and one deceased individual in the water.
Six other crew members remain missing and are presumed lost after an extensive air and sea search yielded no additional results.
The Coast Guard cited frigid water temperatures, challenging weather conditions, and the vast search area in its decision to suspend operations.
GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Authorities have identified all seven individuals who lost their lives after the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean sank approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, early Friday morning, marking a devastating loss for Gloucester’s historic fishing community.
The Lily Jean, a commercial fishing vessel measuring between 72 and 80 feet in length and homeported in Gloucester—the nation’s oldest working fishing port—activated its emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at approximately 6:50 a.m. Friday while returning to port.
No mayday call was received, and subsequent attempts to contact the vessel were unsuccessful.
The U.S. Coast Guard immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and multiple surface assets to the area of the distress signal.
Crews located a debris field and an unoccupied life raft roughly 25 miles offshore near the EPIRB activation site, confirming the vessel had sunk to the ocean floor. One deceased individual was recovered from the water.
The remaining six crew members were later presumed lost after extensive search efforts yielded no additional results.
Officials confirmed that seven people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident, revising earlier reports that indicated six.
The seven individuals who perished aboard the Lily Jean are:
- John Paul Rousanidis, 33, of Salem/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Sean Therrien, 44, of Lynn/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Freeman Short, of the Marshfield/Scituate area
- Captain Gus Sanfilippo, a well-known and respected Gloucester fisherman
- Paul Beal Sr., deckhand
- Paul Beal Jr., deckhand and son of Paul Beal Sr.
- Jada Samitt, 22, of Virginia
Jada Samitt, the seventh crew member identified, was serving aboard the vessel in the role of a federal fisheries observer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She had recently relocated to Massachusetts to pursue her passion for environmental biology, graduating last year. Family members said joining the Lily Jean crew was her first major professional role at sea and a lifelong dream.
Her aunt, Heather Michaels, described Samitt as a compassionate and driven young woman who deeply respected her captain and dedicated herself fully to her work. “She put her heart and soul into this opportunity,” family members said, noting her commitment to marine conservation and the fishing community.
Officials said the Lily Jean had reported taking on water shortly before contact was lost.
The vessel is now presumed fully submerged.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Gloucester’s close-knit maritime community.
Ashley Sullivan, a local business owner who knew the vessel’s owner, emphasized the daily risks faced by commercial fishermen. “I hope people really take a moment to understand the sacrifices these men and women make to put food on our tables,” she said. “This is heartbreaking.”
Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr also expressed condolences, highlighting Gloucester’s deep fishing heritage. “Gloucester has a long fishing history, and that history includes tragic loss,” Tarr said. “It appears we are experiencing another of those painful chapters.”
Governor Maura Healey released a statement saying she was “heartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester,” adding that her administration has offered full assistance to local officials and the Coast Guard. She extended prayers to the victims’ families and the broader fishing community across Cape Ann and the Commonwealth.
Community members and local businesses have continued to share messages of remembrance and solidarity. Taylor Hunt, a relative of Freeman Short, posted a tribute honoring the crew, writing in part: “The salt has been in our blood for generations… A man is not lost while the sea remembers his name. Fair winds and following seas.”
The Lily Jean had previously been featured on the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men, which documented the dangers and demands of New England’s commercial fishing industry.
While search operations have concluded, the Coast Guard and relevant agencies continue to review the circumstances surrounding the sinking. Officials have stated that further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.
Authorities have urged the public to keep the victims’ families and Gloucester’s fishing community in their thoughts and prayers during this period of profound loss.