Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko has died from COVID-19 complications, the city confirmed on social media Tuesday night, calling his death “sudden.”
Paletko was 70 years old. He had served as Dearborn Heights mayor since 2004, and also served in the Michigan State House of Representatives.
Daniel Paletko
Credit City of Dearborn Heights / via Facebook
“We are all in shock over the tragic loss of our Mayor Dan Paletko,” the Dearborn Heights Police Department wrote on its Facebook page. “Mayor Dan Paletko was a tremendous asset to our community and a great leader for the city of Dearborn Heights.”
“This is just too much,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko dies suddenly from COVID-19 complications
Updated Dec 30, 2020;
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The city confirmed his death in a Facebook post shared early Wednesday morning.
The City of Dearborn Heights is saddened to announce the sudden death late Tuesday of Mayor Dan Paletko from complications associated with COVID-19. More information will be posted as it becomes available.Posted by Dearborn Heights City Hall on Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Further information regarding Paletko’s passing has yet to be made available. Paletko had not made his diagnosis with the virus public prior to his death.
As news of Paletko’s death spread, government officials from all over Michigan have shared their thoughts on his life and what he meant to them.
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Flurries or snow showers possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 22F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Updated: April 1, 2021 @ 5:12 pm