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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Ex-Blago Aide Dead From 'Overdose'

Christopher Kelly says he spurned feds in Blagojevich case

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(Newser) – An important figure in the federal corruption case against Rod Blagojevich died today, the Chicago Tribune reports. Christopher Kelly, a former fundraiser and confidante to Blagojevich, died from salicylate intoxication, a county medical examiner's office said. Salicylates are found in pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications. One law enforcement source called it an "aspirin overdose," the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kelly, 51, who was indicted with Blagojevich this spring, pleaded guilty to mail fraud in a separate case this week. The owner of a roofing business, Kelly was accused of taking part in a kickback scheme to get $8.5 million in contracts at O'Hare Airport. He said at the time that he was refusing to cooperate with federal investigators in their case against Blagojevich. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

Christopher Kelly, the former chief fundraiser for ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, in Chicago, Monday, June 22, 2009.
Christopher Kelly, the former chief fundraiser for ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, in Chicago, Monday, June 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Christopher G. Kelly, a former chief fundraiser to ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Balgojevich, leaves federal court in Chicago, Thursday, April 16, 2009.
Christopher G. Kelly, a former chief fundraiser to ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Balgojevich, leaves federal court in Chicago, Thursday, April 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Christopher Kelly, the former chief fundraiser for ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, leaves the federal building in Chicago, Monday, June 22, 2009.
Christopher Kelly, the former chief fundraiser for ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, leaves the federal building in Chicago, Monday, June 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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I am deeply saddened to hear that Chris has died. My heart goes out to his wife, Carmen, his three daughters, Grace, Jacqueline, and Claire and his entire family.
- Rod Blagojevich, in a statement

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8 comments
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Reader64481089
Sep 12, 09 7:39 PM CDT
This trend keeps up the Feds may have a problem proving their case, no witnesses and hear say evidence doesn't work well in Chicago ... Reply
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+1
PhillytoWinnetka
Sep 12, 09 7:46 PM CDT
This is very troubling....reminds me of the Clinton administration when certain "officials and friends" starting dropping off. Hopefully Blago has good security. Reply
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-4
passinthru
Sep 12, 09 11:30 PM CDT
pussy. Reply
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
Mad
Sep 13, 09 1:16 AM CDT
Pussy? I thought we worshiped those who commit suicide here? Or was that a 'double standard'? You fucking assclowns
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-2
IN RESPONSE:
Reader64481089
Sep 13, 09 9:25 AM CDT
For all we know it was an accident, Tylenol builds up in the system and can surprise you not to mention killing your liver all the years you eat the crap. As for the Fed's and Blago, if they had a strong case I think they would have prosecuted him already, they may not have much or may have nothing at all and all his posing on TV may benefit him if the Fed's case falls through which they are famous for doing. A shame a life any life goes in such a manner, a waste and nobody deserves death, it comes to us all eventually but none deserve it.
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