The Mayor of Alabama has long died from COVID-19 due to increased cases of the virus in the state.
Billy Joe Driver, who was elected mayor of Clanton in 1984, was hospitalized on June 28, where he died on Thursday, report on People.com. He is 84 years old.
“We are very sad to announce our mayor’s death. He is waiting for his retirement later this year, “said the Clanton Fire Department in a statement.
“At this year’s annual dinner, Driver Mayor shared an emotional story about his time with firefighters to date and challenges future generations to continue progress. His love for our city is very deep and he will be missed by many people! “
Driver, who had a long political career in the city, joined the Clanton City Council in 1972 and served until he was elected mayor.
“He spent the best years of his life dedicated to the city he loved,” said Driver’s daughter, Kim Driver Hayes.
Governor Kay Ivey expressed his condolences to the Driver family, saying that the city “lost a valuable public servant.”
Alabama has reported 15,000 new cases of coronavirus in the past two weeks, with 287 in Chilton County, where Clanton is located, on Thursday, according to Alabama Public Health.
