Wife: Stenehjem died of cardiac arrest

Update 5:00 PM:

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem died from cardiac arrest and “associated effects,” according to his wife. The former legislator and the state’s longest-serving attorney general died last week at age 68, just hours after he was found unresponsive taken to a hospital. Beth Bakke Stenehjem said in a release that she is grateful for first responders, doctors, caregivers and others who supporter her and her family throughout the day. Hundreds of people gathered at the Bismarck Event Center on Thursday to pay tribute to Stenehjem. He was eulogized as a man of integrity, honesty and strong moral principles. He had announced last month that he would not seek another term, saying he wanted to spend more time traveling and with his family.

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Original story:

The wife of longtime North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says her husband’s death was caused by “cardiac arrest and associated effects.”

Beth Bakke Stenehjem issued a statement today (Fri), one week after Wayne Stenehjem died suddenly in Bismarck at the age of 68.

Beth Bakke Stenehjem added: “I am deeply grateful for all those who worked tirelessly in Wayne’s time of need, supporting me and the rest of his family throughout the day.”

She especially thanked first responders, doctors and nurses involved in the case.

Beth Bakke Stenehjem also said: “I am touched by the number of people who have let me know how much he meant to them.”

Wayne Stenehjem served 24 years in the state legislature, followed by 22 years as attorney general.

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Full statement from ND Attorney General’s office:

Beth Bakke Stenehjem released the following statement today.

“The cause of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s death on January 28, 2022, was cardiac arrest and associated effects. I am deeply grateful for all those who worked tirelessly in Wayne’s time of need, supporting me and the rest of his family throughout the day.

I would like to particularly thank the following people:

First responders: Bismarck Fire Department Captain Nick Reisenauer and crew; Metro Ambulance paramedics Jenn Murphy and Lacy Ripplinger, and Bismarck Police Department Officers Marquis and Jensen and Detective Lahr.
Justin Reisenauer, Dr. Nayan Desai, Ernie Thurman, Nurse Payton in the ICU, Nurse Bob in the ER, and all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Sanford Bismarck Medical Center Emergency Room and ICU.

Wayne devoted his life in service to the State of North Dakota, and I am touched by the number of people who have let me know how much he meant to them.”