Flint’s First Ward is mourning the loss of their longtime City Councilman Eric Mays, who died on Saturday.
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – The city of Flint is mourning the loss of outspoken Councilman Eric Mays, who died on Saturday.
The city announced Mays’ death Saturday evening. The 65-year-old’s death was attributed to natural causes after an illness.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said Mays’ “bold and courageous service” made him beloved among his constituents in the First Ward. Neeley said Mays’ “strong presence” will be missed at City Hall.
“This is a tremendous loss for our community and a shock to all friends and family,” Neeley said. “As our community grieves during this difficult time, on behalf of Councilman Mays’ family, we ask that community members respect their privacy and allow them time and space to mourn. We continue to lift the family in prayer.”
Neeley ordered flags to fly at half-staff at Flint City Hall in Mays’ honor beginning Monday.
Mays represented the First Ward on the Flint City Council for more than 10 years. He often received the most votes of any of his colleagues on the council, showing his enduring popularity among his constituents.
He first was elected in November 2013 to succeed Anita Brown in representing the city’s northwest side. First Ward voters elected Mays to his third term on the council in November 2021.
He served as council president for part of 2021 and chairman of the powerful Finance Committee in 2018. Mays ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2022 against former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver and Neeley, the current mayor.
“Councilman Mays was not only a dedicated public servant but also a tireless champion for the people of Flint,” said Flint City Council President Ladel Lewis. “His unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community has left an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
During Mays’ tenure on the council, Flint went through the water crisis and the city emerged from state emergency management to resume self governance. He was among the loudest voices calling for justice for his constituents.
Mays was serving a three-month suspension from the council at the time of his death. But his legal counsel was mounting a legal challenge to the council’s ability to prevent him from attending meetings.
Funeral arrangements for Mays were not announced Saturday evening.
