Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his Effingham County courtroom on what would have been his last day on the bench.

Recently defeated in his re-election bid, Yekel had attempted to resign earlier but was denied by Governor Brian Kemp, who cited respect for the voters’ will.

Yekel, a father of four with over 45 years of legal experience, faced professional and personal struggles, including a wrongful termination lawsuit and financial difficulties linked to a failed daycare business.

Despite these challenges, he was remembered as a respectful and caring person, the Daily Mail has reported.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating his death.

Written by B.C. Begley