Official cause of Freddie Mac CFO's death may take weeks

VIENNA, Va. - Medical examiners have completed an autopsy on the acting chief financial officer of Freddie Mac found dead in an apparent suicide, but the final determination of the cause of death could take weeks.

David Kellermann, 41, was found dead in his Vienna home early Wednesday morning. Police say Kellermann's death was an apparent suicide.

Nancy Bull, the regional administrator for the medical examiner's office, told the Associated Press on Thursday that the final determination won't be made until all the lab results are received. Bull says the preliminary findings are consistent with a suicide.

Sources tell WTOP he hanged himself in the basement of his upscale home. The Washington Post reports Kellermann hanged himself on a piece of exercise equipment.

"We were called from inside the house to come investigate an apparent suicide," said Fairfax County Police spokeswoman Mary Anne Jennings Wednesday.

Kellermann's wife, Donna, made the 911 call at 4:48 a.m. Wednesday.

"We're not going to give you details of the condition of the body, except to say it was an apparent suicide."

Authorities have not commented on whether Kellermann left a suicide note.

"We will not confirm, as is the policy of our department, if there even is the existence of any note," Fairfax County Police Officer Eddy Azcarate says.

Family members who were home at the time of Kellermann's death left the home Wednesday afternoon and did not speak to the media.

Neighbors tell WTOP they are surprised to hear about Kellermann's suicide. They knew him, his wife and young daughter from neighborhood parties and the pool.

"I'm in total shock. This is a wonderful family. This is the last thing I would have ever expected," says Susan Unger, who lives across the street from Kellermann. "I'm saddened. It's awful."

Unger's husband Paul says Kellermann was a "terrific guy."

"We're just shocked beyond belief. This is just a wonderful family -- very family oriented," Paul Unger says.

Kellermann had been with Freddie Mac for more than 16 years. Those who knew him said he was deeply committed to Freddie Mac.

Freddie Mac released this statement about his death:

"The Freddie Mac family is truly saddened by the news this morning of David Kellermann's death. We extend our deepest condolences to David's family and loved ones for this terrible personal tragedy.

David was a man of great talents. He dedicated those talents to Freddie Mac for more than 16 years, serving in many business and finance capacities before recently taking the reins as acting chief financial officer. His extraordinary work ethic and integrity inspired all who worked with him. But he will be most remembered for his affability, his personal warmth, his sense of humor and his quick wit. David was a friend to many in the Freddie Mac family, and we mourn his passing."

As acting CFO, Kellermann was in a pressure-cooker position. He oversaw a staff of about 500 and was responsible for the company's financial controls, financial reporting and oversight of the company's budget and financial planning.

Government-controlled Freddie Mac, based in McLean, has been criticized heavily for reckless business practices and have been under investigation in Virginia. Some say those practices contributed to the nation's housing and financial crisis. Freddie Mac owns or guarantees about 13 million home loans.

Two U.S. law enforcement officials, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Kellermann was not a target or the subject of the investigation and had not been under law enforcement scrutiny.

Kellermann was named acting chief financial officer in September 2008, taking over after Anthony "Buddy" Piszel resigned. Freddie Mac's CEO David Moffett resigned last month.

A neighbor tells WTOP a security guard was posted - apparently as a precaution - outside the Kellermann home for "a few days" earlier this month, after Fannie Mae disclosed the names of executives in line for bonuses.

Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac came under fire because they plan to pay more than $210 million in bonuses through next year to give workers the incentive to stay in their jobs. Kellermann received $170,000 and was to receive another $680,000 over the next year.

The Associated Press assisted with this article.

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