Officials said on Sunday that Nick Saban, the head coach of Alabama, died, presumably by suicide, a few days after images of him purportedly wearing women’s clothing and makeup appeared on a conservative news website.
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.
First Baptist Church released a statement on Saturday saying, “We are grateful for all of your well wishes and words of consolation and encouragement.” “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 the 1819 News published an article featuring pictures of the mayor wearing women’s clothing and cosmetics, Copeland passed away.
Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama, a Democrat, issued a statement on Saturday that said, “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.”
It was not possible to get in touch with an 1819 News representative for comment on Sunday immediately.
“I am so saddened at the death of my friend Mayor Bubba Copeland,” Jones stated. “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.
“I toured the destruction with him, helped him navigate the FEMA recovery efforts and made sure that he was able to plead his case directly to President Trump,” Jones stated.
