Eric Mays, a devoted metropolis council member famend for his activism through the notorious Flint, Michigan, water disaster and a historical past of disruptive conduct at public conferences, died on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 65. Metropolis officers made the announcement, however they didn’t disclose the reason for the loss of life.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley expressed sorrow, saying, “This can be a large loss for our group and a shock to all family and friends. As our group grieves throughout this tough time, on behalf of Councilman Mays’ household, we ask that group members respect their privateness and permit them time and house to mourn. We proceed to carry the household in prayer.”
Initially elected in 2013, Mays performed a pivotal position in shedding mild on the water disaster that plagued Flint for the previous decade. The disaster emerged when the town started drawing water from the Flint River with out correct remedy, leading to extreme lead contamination.
In 2015, Mays organized a public assembly that allowed residents to voice considerations concerning the metropolis’s water high quality. The assembly drew a whole lot, with many expressing grievances about pores and skin issues from the contaminated water.
Regardless of his advocacy work, Mays was typically at odds together with his fellow council members, gaining notoriety for frequent outbursts that garnered a considerable social media following. Over time, he was faraway from council conferences a number of instances, notably in 2015 when police escorted him out for refusing to cease talking. In 2020, Mays misplaced a management position after making inflammatory feedback throughout a public assembly, evaluating a council chief to Adolf Hitler, and delivering a Nazi salute.
However, Mays remained in style in his north facet ward and secured re-election in 2021. His bid for Flint mayor in 2022, nonetheless, proved unsuccessful.
In an official assertion, metropolis officers acknowledged Mays for his “daring and brave service” and introduced that the flag at Metropolis Corridor could be lowered to half-staff on Monday in his honor.
