Kentucky's US Republican state politician Dan Johnson, who defiantly denied allegations he sexually assaulted a teenage girl in the basement of his home, has died in an apparent suicide at the age of 57, the county coroner says.
On Tuesday, Mr Johnson held a news conference in the pulpit of his church.
He said the allegations against him were "totally false" and said they were part of a nationwide strategy of defeating conservative Republicans.
Mr Johnson referenced Republican Alabama US Senate candidate Roy Moore who faces accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women.
The sexual assault accusations against Mr Johnson, who died in Mount Washington, Kentucky, were revealed as a sexual harassment scandal involving four other Republican lawmakers was unfolding at the state Capitol.
Republican Governor Matt Bevin posted on his Twitter account that "my heart breaks for his family tonight".
"These are heavy days in Frankfort and in America," Mr Bevin posted.
"May God indeed shed His grace on us all. We sure need it."
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78, or visit Multicultural Mental Health Australia at www.mmha.org.au and Local Aboriginal Medical Service details are available from www.bettertoknow.org.au/AMS.
