John Schmidt, who was recently named to the 4th District Appellate Court, died this morning. A coroner’s statement said Schmidt, 52, passed away at the Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room.
An autopsy is pending, but Coroner Cinda Edwards said early indications are that he died from natural causes and there is no evidence of foul play.
Schmidt’s term on the Appellate Court began December 7. He was appointed to fill a vacancy. He had been a circuit judge since 2010. Before that time, he served as Sangamon County State’s Attorney.
He is survived by his wife and son.
