DeSantis donor dead from apparent suicide amid sexual misconduct probe: report

Kent Stermon, a prominent donor to Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, was found dead last week after his wife had reported him missing.

A police officer located Stermon's body inside a truck outside a post office in Atlantic Beach on Thursday evening, according to the Florida Times-Union. The cause of death remains unknown, though authorities are investigating his death as a suicide.

Stermon, 50, was president of Total Military Management, which helped to relocate members of the armed forces. He was a significant donor to DeSantis, who appointed him to the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state's public universities.

Prior to his death, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said he was the subject of an "active investigation" without specifying its nature. The Times-Union cited sources indicating the investigation was exploring alleged sexual misconduct.

"This investigation remains ongoing at this time and will continue until its completion. As with all active investigations, there is limited information available to release at this time," T.K. Waters told the outlet. "However, as soon as this investigation has been completed, all applicable information will be available for release to the public."

Stermon had also suffered a recent stroke and was released from the hospital this week.