The father of one of the children killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting was found dead of an apparent suicide inside a historical town building, officials say.

Jeremy Richman, 49, who was the founder of the Avielle Foundation and the father of Avielle Richman who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting, was found dead inside the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown Monday around 7 a.m. where he had an office.

Officials would not specify the manner in which Richard was found, but say his death appears to be a suicide.

The state's medical examiner's office is investigating the cause of his death.

Newtown Police Lt. Aaron Bahamonde commented by saying, "This is a heartbreaking event for the Richman family and the Newtown community as a whole. The police department's prayers are with the Richman family." 

The Avielle Foundation issued a statement that says in part, "Jeremy was a champion father, husband, neuroscientist and, for the past seven years, a crusader on a mission to help uncover the neurological underpinnings of violence through the Avielle Foundation, which he and his wife, Jennifer Hensel, founded after the death of their daughter, Avielle, at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Jeremy was deeply devoted to supporting research into brain abnormalities that are linked to abnormal behavior and to promoting brain health. Tragically, his death speaks to how insidious and formidable a challenge brain health can be and how critical it is for all of us to seek help for ourselves, our loved ones and anyone who we suspect may be in need."

Officials across Connecticut and the U.S. also shared their thoughts about today's tragedy. In a statement, Sen. Chris Murphy said, " Just a few weeks ago, he was in my office in Washington, D.C. showing me their new training materials. He was excited about the work the Avielle Foundation was doing, which makes this morning's news so unthinkable."

Rep. Jahana Hayes also commented writing, "Today's news, along with the two recent suicides of Parkland students, further illuminates the fact that we must do more as a society to help victims of gun violence and their families grieve."

The Avielle foundation asked the media and public to give the family privacy at this time.

The Newtown Action Alliance asks anyone facing a crisis to call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.