Rep. Nygren’s Daughter Arrested In Overdose Death

The daughter of Republican state Rep. John Nygren is under arrest for possible involvement in an overdose death.

Cassandra Nygren, 28, and Shawn Gray, 33, were arrested Tuesday. Cassandra faces five felony counts, including two charges of reckless homicide, the manufacture and delivery of heroin, child neglect and maintaining a drug house.

Gray faces a total of 10 counts including:

• two counts of reckless homicide.
• one count of manufacturing heroin.
• one count of failure to comply with the Sex Offender Registry
• one count of giving false information to the registry.
• one count of felony bail jumping.
• one count of misdemeanor bail jumping.
• one count of maintaining a drug house.
• one count of resisting or obstructing an officer.
• one count of second-degree recklessly endangering safety.

Brown County Chief Deputy Todd Delain told USA Today Network-Wisconsin that Cassandra Nygren and Gray were arrested in connection to a recent drug death. Delain would not say who overdosed.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office will release more information during a news conference Thursday.

Cassandra Nygren has long struggled with both heroin and other opioid drugs. She was jailed in 2010 and again in 2015 for using heroin.

When healthy, she volunteered at Rise Together as a peer counselor to other addicts.

In an email statement, the Rise Together team said:

“Our prayers and support go out to Cassie Nygren and her family, including everyone that has been impacted by the grip of addiction. Together, our communities must lead with compassion and empathy in this great time of need. Addiction is not a moral failing issue but instead a chronic illness. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people do recover. If you or a loved one is struggling, do not continue to suffer in silence. Please seek the support that you need. You can find help now by visiting the Addiction Resource Hub.”

Rep. Nygren has been open about his daughter’s troubles with opioid abuse. In 2016 he helped usher through a package of eight bills known as the HOPE (Heroin, Opioid, Prevention, and Education) Agenda.

His office released a statement Wednesday afternoon in response to his daughter’s arrest.

First and most importantly, I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of life. There are no words that we as a family can offer to give any real comfort for the tragic loss. To the family and friends of the victims of this tragedy, please know that you are in our prayers and that our hearts are heavy.

Cassie has publicly struggled with addiction and recovery for several years. This is a strong reminder of how fragile the road to recovery is. We will continue to support and pray for her recovery.

This is just another example, in a seemingly endless line, of the disastrous and destructive consequences addiction continues to have on families and communities nationwide. These stories are the motivating factor behind all our work in the legislature to fight this epidemic.

Rep. Nygren concluded his statement by requesting privacy and respect be extended to those grieving.

It wasn’t clear whether his daughter had an attorney to comment on the allegations.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 3:40 p.m. with original reporting by WPR. It has been updated to state the two were arrested Tuesday.