UAW Local President Tim Donovan Found Hanged in Sheffield Village Park

UAW local president and Avon Lake resident Tim Donovan was found hanged in French Creek Reservation in Sheffield Village Sept. 16, according to Sheffield Village Police Chief Larry Bliss.

Bliss said Donovan left a suicide note. Donovan’s body, found just before 7 p.m., was located near his vehicle.

"A man was walking his dog in the park at 6:45 p.m. and found him," Bliss said. "He called us immediately.

Donovan, 56, had been president of the UAW Local 2000 for Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant since 1998. The plant is located in both Avon Lake and Sheffield Village. On May 10, Donovan was re-elected to the position of president, according to the 2000’s website.

Avon Lake Mayor K.C Zuber said Donovan's death will leave a hole.

"I've known Tim for a long time and through working with him," Zuber said. "We had a good working relationship. I think he is going to be missed by everyone."

Bliss told Patch affiliate site HuffingtonPost that the note had nothing to do with the the Local 2000 and said the contents of the note would not be released.

Donovan lived on Jaycox Road in Avon Lake.

Check back later for additional details.