Former Speaker of the House Curtis Hertel Sr. dies at 63

(WJBK) - Former Michigan Speaker of the House Curtis Hertel Sr. passed away Sunday at the age of 63.

Hertel represented Detroit in the state House of Representatives from 1980 to '98. The Democrat served as co-speaker in an unusual power-sharing arrangement with Republicans in the early 90's, then worked as the sole speaker in 1997 and '98.

Hertel also served as executive director of the Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority.

Family members said they are devastated by the loss.