Coroner's office: Kucinich brother dead, no sign of foul play

The youngest brother of Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich was found dead at his home Wednesday.

Perry Kucinich, 52, was found face down by another brother, Larry, at about 9 a.m., said Powell Caesar, a spokesman for the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office.

There were no signs of foul play, Caesar said. An autopsy was being performed Wednesday.

Larry Kucinich had taken his brother shopping Tuesday and then took him home but couldn't get an answer when he tried calling him Wednesday, Caesar said. He told officers his brother had a history of mental illness and had stopped taking his medication, according to a police report.

Dennis Kucinich took a flight from Washington to Cleveland after learning of the death, said his office press secretary, Natalie Laber.

"He was very close to Perry and he's taking this very hard," Laber said.

Kucinich, 61, is a six-term congressman from Ohio who is making his second bid for his party's nomination; he sought the nod in 2004. He registers in low single digits in polls and has raised little money for what is considered another long-shot run. Kucinich, who is known for his liberal views, has attracted a devoted following.

In a statement, Kucinich said his brother was a talented artist who recently had some of his works on display at a local art gallery.

"He had extraordinary insights. Although he struggled with mental illness, with the help of his family and friends, he was able to lead a productive life," Dennis Kucinich said.

Perry Kucinich was the fifth child of Frank and Virginia Kucinich. The family's struggles are discussed in Dennis Kucinich's recently released book, "The Courage to Survive."

Besides his brother Dennis, Perry Kucinich is survived by brothers Frank, Gary, and Larry, and by sisters Theresa and Beth Ann. They all live in northeast Ohio.

A Democratic rival, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, offered condolences to Kucinich and his family. "Barbara and I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers," Richardson said in a statement.