Spokesman for former Missouri state auditor Tom Schweich found dead of apparent suicide

UPDATED at 7:20 a.m. with former Gov. Matt Blunt statement:

Spence Jackson, the spokesman for former Missouri state Auditor Tom Schweich, has been found dead in his Jefferson City apartment, multiple media outlets are reporting.

Police indicated his death is being investigated as a suicide. Jackson’s death comes about one month after Schweich’s suicide.

Jackson was 44.

KTVI reported that both Jefferson City police and the Cole County Sheriff’s Department had no comment.

Jackson had been Schweich`s media director since 2011. He also had been former Gov. Matt Blunt’s spokesman.

Jackson had called for the resignation of Missouri`s Republican Party Chairman John Hancock after Hancock was accused of staging an anti-Semitic “whisper campaign” aimed at Schweich. Hancock has strongly denied that accusation.

Sources told reporters that Jackson had taken a sick day on Friday.

On Monday morning, Blunt issued a statement:

"Melanie and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Spence Jackson who was a good friend for many years.

“Spence was a gifted communicator who dedicated his talents in public affairs to public service. Over his career he served as chief spokesman for three of Missouri's statewide offices including that of the governor when I held that post.

“Spence was hard-working, well-liked and quick-witted. He will truly be missed. We mourn his passing and offer our prayers to his family and friends.”

This story was originally published March 30, 2015 at 8:06 AM with the headline "Spokesman for former Missouri state auditor Tom Schweich found dead of apparent suicide."