The founder and chairman of Columbus’ Lyco Manufacturing killed his wife in their home and then fatally shot himself after going to a hospital emergency room, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Dave Zittel, 85, had reportedly been outside the entrance of Prairie Ridge Health at 1515 Park Ave. on Monday with a gun. Columbus police were called, but Zittel shot himself before they arrived at 6:20 p.m.
Medical staff immediately attempted to render aid, but Zittel had already passed. Prairie Ridge Health went into lockdown until mid-afternoon and diverted all ambulances temporarily until it was safe to resume operations.
When Columbus police contacted the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office to check Zittel’s home in the town of Elba, Sue Zittel, 81, was found deceased by deputies at 6:58 a.m.
The sheriff’s office began a joint law enforcement investigation, which is ongoing. No others are believed to be involved in the incident.
Members of Zittel’s family have been contacted by the Columbus Police Department and Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. Lyco Manufacturing employees were notified of the couple’s death on Monday.
Zittel founded Lyco in 1980 and was the company’s chairman of the board.
