Officials said on Sunday that a small-town mayor in Alabama appears to have taken his own life, a few days after a conservative news website released images of him purportedly donning women’s clothing and cosmetics.
F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, the mayor of Smiths Station and a pastor at the First Baptist Church of Phenix City, shot himself to death on Friday at 5:01 p.m. CT, according to a statement from Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton to NBC News.
Monday was set aside for the autopsy.
“We appreciate all of your well wishes and words of consolation and encouragement,” First Baptist Church said in a statement on Saturday. “First and foremost, we ask that you keep Pastor Bubba Copeland’s family in your prayers today, and in the days ahead.”
Two days after an article featuring pictures of the mayor wearing women’s clothing and cosmetics appeared in the 1819 News, Copeland passed away.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., said in a statement on Saturday that “it is sad and disgusting how he was treated by” 1819 News. “We live in a mean, bitter world where the self righteous tend to throw the largest stones.”
On Sunday, it was not possible to get in touch with an 1819 News representative for comment.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mayor Bubba Copeland, my friend,” Jones remarked. “He was a good man and a great mayor who led the small town of Smith Station through the tough times of a devastating tornado a few years ago.”
When then-President Donald Trump visited impacted areas, Jones said Copeland was essential in getting the needs of the area communicated to the White House.
