Jimmy R. Newton Jr. Photo from Southern Ute Tribe

Jimmy R. Newton Jr., the chairman of the Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado, died on Monday. He was 37.

Newton died from an undisclosed illness, The Durango Herald reports. He leaves behind a wife and a 18-year-old daughter.

"Chairman Newton served this tribe and its members for over a decade. He dedicated his career to helping his fellow tribal council and all enrolled members of the tribe,” Vice Chairman James M. Olguin said in a press release. “His passing leaves us without our veteran leader and with a huge hole in the heart of all who worked with or knew him.”

Newton was elected chairman in 2011. He had served on the tribal council since 2003.

A special election will be held within 60 days to fill the vacant post. Until then, Olguin will serve as chair.

"We will mourn Chairman Newton but we will also honor him, his leadership, and his legacy by continuing our hard work to strengthen our tribe and support our members,” Olguin said.

Services for Newton are being held on Friday.

Get the Story:
Southern Utes mourn loss of leader (The Durango Herald 4/2)
Southern Ute Indian Tribe chairman dies (The Farmington Daily Times 4/2)
Southern Ute Tribe Leader Dies In Colorado (AP 4/1)