Vice chairman says he’s in charge of Lower Brule tribe

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The vice chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe says he has assumed control of tribal government.

Kevin Wright on Friday cited what he said was the tribe’s constitution and bylaws in taking over leadership because Chairman Michael Jandreau was hospitalized.

Later in the day, after Jandreau died at a Sioux Falls hospital, Wright told The Associated Press the family needs time to grieve and the federal government needs to know the tribe is functioning.

But it’s unclear how tribal government ultimately will operate without Jandreau.

A copy of the tribe’s constitution provided to the AP by its general counsel says the tribal council appoints someone to serve the remainder of a Jandreau’s term.

Wright was one of the council members who criticized Jandreau over reports of financial mismanagement.