Oz Griebel, who twice ran for governor in Connecticut, died Wednesday following an accident while jogging, a spokesperson announced. He was 71.
Griebel ran for governor as an independent in 2018 and as a Republican in 2010.
Griebel was injured in a car accident while jogging on July 21, according to a family statement.
"The Griebel family is very appreciative of the outpouring of support they've received since the accident and will share information about services once arrangements have been made," a statement read.
Griebel previously served as the president and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance.
Local leaders reacted to the news Wednesday night.
“Oz Griebel’s heart was with the State of Connecticut – he loved this state and the people who live in it, and he enthusiastically believed that its best days are ahead. I loved listening to his spirited energy whenever he spoke about the opportunity to make Connecticut and the Hartford region an even better place to live and work. We can all take a page from his commitment to work across the aisle and remove politics from policy. He will be missed, and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family. There is no place like Oz, and there was no one like Oz," Gov. Ned Lamont wrote in a statement.
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CT Democrats chair Nancy DiNardo also released a statement on Griebel's passing:
"Oz Griebel was the consummate public servant. As a business leader and as a candidate for Governor, he raised critical issues and the caliber of the debate. His passing is a huge loss for all of Connecticut. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family."
" The news of Oz Griebel’s passing is heartbreaking. He was a great man, a leader and a champion for our state. He worked hard to be part of every conversation about improving and strengthening Connecticut and making our home a better place to live for all people," Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano tweeted.
