CHICAGO (CBS) — Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer has died at the age of 51, his family confirmed.
The news of his death was posted by his family on his Facebook page overnight. The message did not mention a cause of death.
Deer leaves behind a wife and three children.
Deer was appointed to the 2nd District Cook County Board in 2017.
He grew up in North Lawndale and attended Collins High School.
Mayor Brandon Johnson released the following statement:
“The passing of my dear brother and former Cook County Board colleague, Commissioner Dennis Deer, is a devastating loss for our city and county. Dennis was a beacon of hope and compassion who fulfilled a mission to improve health care, education and economic opportunity for every resident he visited. He was a tireless advocate for the underserved and underrepresented and was a champion for people, with an unwavering dedication and genuine love for a district that spanned the Loop, Englewood and Chicago’s West Side. his three beautiful children and all of his family and colleagues on the County Board will be deeply felt at this incredibly difficult time, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.”
