David B. Kellerman, acting Chief Financial officer of the mortgage giant Freddie Mac was found dead in his Virginia home on Wednesday morning, in what is an apparent suicide.
According to reports, the executive hung himself in the basement, although the police have not commented on the cause of death. No foul play has been reported.Mr. Kellerman’s wife alerted police shortly before 5 A.M. Wednesday morning, and the media converged onto the estate with reporters and cameras by mid-morning.
Kellerman took over as Chief Financial officer for Freddie Mac in September of 2008, after the government took over the company, pushing out ex-CFO Anthony Piszel. Collapsing in the heat of the sub-prime mortgage crisis, Freddie Mac has been one of the symbols of the United States’ financial collapse.
Freddie Mac’s interim CEO, John Koskinen, released a written statement addressing Kellerman’s death.
"He dedicated [his] talents to Freddie Mac for more than 16 years, serving in many business and finance capacities before recently taking the reins as acting chief financial officer.
"His extraordinary work ethic and integrity inspired all who worked with him. But he will be most remembered for his affability, his personal warmth, his sense of humor and his quick wit."
Tim Geithner also offered his thoughts in a written statement.
"On behalf of the Treasury family, we are deeply saddened by the news this morning of David Kellermann's death. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and his colleagues at Freddie Mac during this difficult time."
Kellermann received a master's degree in finance from George Washington University and a bachelor's in political science and accounting from the University of Michigan. He had spent 16 years with the company. He was 41 years old at the time of his death. Neighbors and family conveyed their shock at the incident. Nobody indicated that there were any prior signs of problems.