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Minnesota Lottery Director Dies in Apparent Suicide

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Minnesota Pioneer Press: "George Andersen, who set up and headed the Minnesota State Lottery for all of its nearly 15-year existence, died Tuesday from knife wounds that appeared to be self-inflicted, authorities reported.

"As word spread of Andersen's death, statements of shock and sadness came from all quarters of government, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty, U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman and leaders of the Minnesota Legislature.

"Cmdr. Scott Malinosky of the Washington County sheriff's office said members of Andersen's family called authorities at 7 a.m. Tuesday after finding him outside their home in a residential area of Hugo, which is about 16 miles northeast of St. Paul.

"Malinosky said that Andersen, 53, had a number of cuts on his body and that a knife was found nearby. A handwritten note found at the scene contained a brief message to his family, but details were not disclosed.

"…Andersen, who had been appointed in 1989 by then-Gov. Rudy Perpich, operated an autonomous state agency that provided more than $1.1 billion for state programs in the past 13 years, with much of the money going toward environmental programs. He also headed a number of national lottery associations and was considered an innovator in lottery promotions and management.

"…Andersen is survived by his wife, Darlene, and two grown children, Mark and Elizabeth…"

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