In a shocking turn of events, Judge Stephen Yekel of Georgia was discovered dead in his own courtroom, reportedly having taken his own life.

Investigations are underway by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the death of the 74-year-old judge, which comes amid personal and professional difficulties and his unsuccessful bid for re-election, as the Daily Mail reports.

The tragic incident unfolded early Tuesday morning when Yekel's body was found in the Effingham County State Court, marking what would have been his final day as a judge.

According to Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, it is believed that the judge shot himself late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Appointed in 2022, Yekel had recently lost a re-election campaign to Judge Melissa M. Calhoun. Despite efforts to step down earlier, Gov. Brian Kemp had disallowed Yekel's resignation, citing the importance of respecting electoral outcomes.

Judge Faced Personal and Professional Issues

Prior to his judgeship, Yekel had a lengthy legal career, having served as an assistant district attorney and a special agent.

However, his tenure as judge was overshadowed by a lawsuit from a court employee, Lisa Crawford, which alleged wrongful dismissal and involved accusations concerning DUI charge manipulations. In his resignation letter to Governor Kemp, Yekel expressed disappointment with the low voter turnout during the election.

Yekel's personal life was no less challenging. He was a father of four, sharing two children with his ex-wife, Lisa Yekel. The couple moved to Effingham County in 1999, where they faced financial struggles after the failure of a daycare business.

Despite these hardships, Yekel remained an active community member, coaching little league baseball, holding roles in local organizations, and participating in church activities.

Community Reacts to Judge's Tragic Death

Following the tragic news, the courtroom was closed and is scheduled to reopen for normal operations on Jan. 2. Effingham County's Board of Commissioners quickly issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow over Yekel’s death and extending condolences to his loved ones.

Kemp's office also refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation but emphasized that the judge’s family remains in their thoughts.

His ex-wife, Lisa, provided insights into Yekel’s personal struggles, painting a picture of a man who took responsibility for his actions, both professionally and personally.

Reflecting on his life, she recounted that he was returning from visiting their daughter when involved in an accident, highlighting his commitment to family despite the ensuing challenges.

Legal, Financial Struggles Precede Death

Lisa shed light on the financial difficulties that the family business endured, acknowledging her own leniency in not insisting on payments from clients, which contributed to rising debt. These personal admissions indicate the weight of responsibility Yekel carried even outside the courtroom.

Yekel himself had expressed his dedication to fairness and dignified treatment during his tenure, regardless of the challenges faced. This commitment was reflected in his longstanding career in the legal field, where he aimed to uphold principles of equality.

Officials and Community Members Remember Judge

In light of the ongoing investigation, which prevents detailed comments from authorities, local voices have shared their sentiments about Yekel's character and dedication. Reflecting on his professional ethics, his family and friends remember him as someone who owned up to his actions.

As Effingham County prepares to return to normalcy in the court, the community continues grappling with the loss of a complex figure who, despite his struggles, was devoted to both his professional duties and local involvement.

The narrative surrounding Judge Yekel’s tragic death underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in public service.