SLO County Supervisor Adam Hill was accused of ‘workplace misconduct’ before his death
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill had recently been accused by an employee of “workplace misconduct” before his death last week, the county said in a news release Thursday.
Hill, 54, died of undisclosed causes at his Shell Beach home Aug. 6, after serving as District 3 supervisor since 2008.
According to the county news release, a county employee had lodged a complaint against Hill alleging unspecified misconduct.
“The county treats allegations of workplace misconduct very seriously,” the county release says. “We can confirm that allegations of workplace misconduct were made against Supervisor Adam Hill prior to his passing, and the county immediately initiated a formal investigation.”
“Because this is an ongoing personnel investigation, we will not release details at this time to protect all those involved and ensure the integrity of the process,” the statement reads.
Asked for comment, Dee Torres, Hill’s widow, said the complaint stemmed from a relationship between Hill and a person Torres did not identify.
“I am aware that something mutual and consensual had happened between Adam and this person in the past. He and I talked it through and I am comfortable and at total peace with Adam’s memory. That’s all I will have to say about this.”
Hill and Torres, though married, had long been estranged prior to his death.
The county is not identifying the employee who made the complaint, nor elaborating on the allegations.
County leaders previously said Hill’s vacant board seat may be filled by an appointee selected by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve until the next general election in 2022.
Hill won his March 3 election against opponent Stacy Korsgaden with 51.4% of the vote.
He released a statement in early July announcing he was seeking treatment for depression at a residential health program following a March suicide attempt.
Hill had returned to work the week of his death.
This story was originally published August 13, 2020 at 3:39 PM.
