OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Sources from several fire and law enforcement agencies tell 6 News that the mayor’s husband, Dr. Joe Stothert, was found dead Friday afternoon outside their home.
Omaha Police said officers responded to Mayor Jean Stothert’s home at 1:53 p.m. and found a man deceased at the scene.
“The mayor is safe and no foul play is suspected,” OPD Officer Phil Anson said in an email.
The Stothert family released the following statement Friday afternoon:
“It is with great sadness today that we share the tragic loss of Joe Stothert with family, friends, and our loving community.
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.”
Omaha Police were checking IDs outside Mayor Jean Stothert’s neighborhood on Friday afternoon, March 5, 2021, following the news that her husband had died.(Alex McLoon / WOWT)
Police officers were stationed outside St. Andrews Pointe, the residential development where the Stotherts’ home is located, for several hours on Friday checking ID before drivers entered the neighborhood south of 120th and Q streets.
Condolences
City, county, and Nebraska officials sent their condolences to the Stothert family:
The men and women of OPPD, and our Board of Directors, offer our deep condolences for Mayor Jean Stothert and her family. We send our support and care during this very difficult time.
— OPPDCares (@OPPDCares) March 5, 2021
On behalf of all the OPOA, our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mayor Stothert and her family. Dr. Joe Stothert was a widely respected and dedicated public servant who’s work had a profound impact on the LEO community. The Mayor and her family will be in our prayers.
— Omaha POA (@omahaPOA) March 5, 2021
Local candidates also offered their sympathy:
It’s with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to Mayor Jean Stothert after today’s devastating news of the death of her husband, Dr. Joseph Stothert, who was known & respected by many in the healthcare field. I will be praying for her and her family in this difficult time.
— Jasmine L. Harris for Mayor (@jasmineformayor) March 5, 2021
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Joseph Stothert. Liz and I are keeping the Stothert family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
— RJ Neary (@NearyforOmaha) March 5, 2021
It is with deep sadness and heartache that I extend my condolences to Mayor Jean Stothert on the tragic loss of her husband, Dr. Joe Stothert. My thoughts are with the Stothert family as they gather with friends to support them through this painful time.
— Jen Bauer 4 City Council (@Jen4CityCouncil) March 5, 2021
Officials from Nebraska Medicine, UMNC, and Dr. Pour also gave out condolences:
School officials, Omaha’s Archbishop, and the Omaha Public Library also offered their sympathy:
