Christopher Kelly, a central figure in the Rod Blagojevich investigation of federal corruption has died of an apparent aspirin overdose at the age of 51-years-old. He was discovered lying on the ground in a Chicago lumber yard late Friday night and was transported to an area hospital, suffering from salicylate intoxication, just days before he was to report to jail.
Kelly’s family had him transferred by private ambulance at 5:15 a.m. Saturday morning from Oak Forest Hospital to Stroger Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 10:46 a.m. according to the Cook County Medical Examiners Office. An autopsy will be completed on Sunday.
According to Country Club Hills mayor Dwight Welch, a death investigation at a homicide level is underway because of the high profile death. He said they are looking into the possibility of homicide or suicide.
Kelly pled guilty just days ago to mail fraud in an illegal kickback scheme involving an $8.5 million contract between O’Hare Airport and his company BCI Commercial Roofing, Inc. He also pled guilty to several tax offenses and had been ordered to turn himself in for incarceration by September 18 to serve a five year sentence, with the potential of three additional years based on the most recent charges.
The former confidant, go-to guy and chief fundraiser for the Blagojovich campaign was also said to be under intense pressure from federal prosecutors to testify against Rod Blagojevich for his trial that is slated for June 2010. Blagojovich was charged with 16 counts in April and Kelly was also named in the indictment.
Ex-governor Blagojevich, in New York City on the talk show circuit, released the following statement: “I am deeply saddened to hear that Chris has died. My heart goes out to his wife Carmen Kelly, his three daughters Grace, Jacqueline and Claire and his entire family. They are in our prayers.”
More photos below and Blagojovich getting grilled by Bonnie Hunt on video.