Alderman Joe Dudzik died from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident last night.

According to a report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Dudzik was riding down West Morgan Avenue when he hit construction barricades near South 76 Street. He was taken to the hospital but died of his sustained injuries. 

After hearing the news this morning, Dudzik's colleagues passed along their condolences.

"It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of my friend and colleague Ald. Joe Dudzik last night," said Common Council President Michael J. Murphy in a statement. "He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, his constituents, his family and his many, many friends ... Joe’s zeal for public service was outshined only by his love for his wife Lynn and his sons, Jeffrey and Jake. While he achieved many things, his family was by far his proudest accomplishment. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

"Ald. Joe Dudzik’s passing marks a very sad day in Milwaukee," said Mayor Tom Barrett in a statement. "Through his work as a City employee and, ultimately, as an alderman, Joe dedicated his professional life to the people of this City. He held strong opinions that matched his constituents' concerns. And, he was never shy about sharing those opinions with me or his colleagues. Joe was passionate about the services Milwaukee provides its residents.  He was an advocate for City employees. And, no alderman surpassed his day-to-day commitment to making his district a better place."

Dudzik had been an alderman representing the South Side of Milwaukee since 2002. Prior to being elected alderman, he served for more than 20 years in the Department of Public Works. He leaves behind Lynn, his wife, and two sons, Jake and Jeffery. 

Dudzik was 56 years old.