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Well-known political activist Larry Harless, 62, has been pulled from the Ohio
River after apparently jumping off a bridge at Ravenswood.
The Jackson County lawyer was identified by his sister after a 911 call reported
the incident at 11:30 a.m. today.
Police officials say they are not labeling the death as a suicide yet because they are still investigating.
Harless had challenged the awarding of $225 million dollars in state economic development grants around West Virginia, some of them to projects he claimed had little to do with creating jobs.
Harless challenged the Wise administration's and Legislature's plan to use limited video lottery proceeds to repay bonds
that would be sold to finance economic development projects across the state.
He said West Virginians did not intend to legalize poker, keno, blackjack and other games when they approved the
lottery.
The state Supreme Court ruled against him.
Harless was a long-time activist who was a one-time teacher, union organizer, all-state high school basketball player and
political candidate.
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