An Effingham County state court judge, Stephen Yekel, has died by suicide in a county courtroom. He was found by a deputy on Tuesday morning when court was not in session. Judge Yekel lost his reelection bid this year, and Tuesday was meant to be his last day on the bench. Local media reported that he tried to resign, but Governor Brian Kemp denied it. There was a note sent to Kemp’s office, but its details are not known. Yekel was appointed to the position in June 2022. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners expressed deep sadness over his death and is providing support and resources to county staff.