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Questions cloud death of lawmaker's son

An accidental overdose was first suspected in the death of 29-year-old Kenneth Pruitt Jr.

By JENNIFER LIBERTO and JACOB H. FRIES, Times Staff Writers
Published August 9, 2007

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TALLAHASSEE - The 29-year-old son of Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt died early Wednesday in what authorities initially described as an accidental overdose.

Tallahassee police spokesman John Creamer later backed away from his comments, saying detectives had to wait six to eight weeks for toxicology tests before determining the cause of death. Creamer would not disclose how Kenneth Pruitt Jr. spent the hours leading up to his death, citing an ongoing investigation.

"Our official stance is that he didn't die in a homicide or an act of violence," Creamer said. "There are no signs of trauma."

The younger Pruitt was visiting the home of a friend, Sam Coskey, who called 911 at 1 a.m. and said Pruitt was having a medical emergency, Creamer said. Pruitt was taken by ambulance to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he worked as a network administrator, and died.

Pruitt was one of five children of the Senate president, a Port St. Lucie Republican. The elder Pruitt was in Boston for the National Conference of State Legislatures when he learned of the news and returned to Tallahassee on an early morning flight.

"Details are still emerging regarding the circumstances of his passing," said Kathy Mears, a spokeswoman for the Senate president, in a statement. "President Pruitt and his family appreciate the thoughts and prayers of friends and family during this difficult time. The enormity of the loss of Ken Jr. is indescribable."

Coskey, the friend who called 911, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. On his door a note read, "Please respect my privacy."

Friends described the younger Pruitt as very low key and said he did not try to trade on his father's name. Before working at the Tallahassee hospital, he spent a few years working at the Department of Revenue. He and his wife, who have a 4-year-old daughter named Chloe, divorced last year.

State records show he was twice arrested for driving under the influence, in 2005 and 2006, and pleaded no contest in both cases. He had his license suspended for five years after the most recent arrest.

As news spread across Tallahassee on Wednesday, leaders from both parties shared condolences.

Gov. Charlie Crist released a statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Senate President Ken Pruitt and his family today. My heart goes out to the Pruitts as they deal with this tragic loss."

A memorial service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Ruby Diamond Auditorium on the Florida State University campus.

Staff writer Lucy Morgan and Times researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.

[Last modified August 8, 2007, 23:53:29]

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