Tennessee Mayor Dies From COVID-19

Rebecca Schleicher / Twitter

Lonnie J. Norman, the mayor of Manchester, Tennessee, has passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He was 78.

Norman was hospitalized for COVID-19 on October 1st and after a “valiant fight,” he ultimately died in the “early hours” of October 12, a Facebook post announced.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=175924207405330&id=106735414324210

According to NBC News, the mayor’s office released a statement which read, “Today we share in the sorrow of a great loss to our community. Mayor Lonnie J. Norman was a dedicated servant to the people of Manchester for several years.”

Norman’s family released the following statement:

“It is said that when your work speaks for itself — let it. Mayor Lonnie Norman’s eight decades on this planet were filled with work that testifies to both his accomplishments and his values.”

NC5’s Rebecca Schleicher tweeted, “Heartbreaking news: Mayor of Manchester Lonnie Norman has died from COVID-19. According to his office, he was hospitalized Oct 1 and passed away this morning.”

In August, Norman was elected to his third term as mayor of Manchester, which serves as host to the Bonnaroo Music Festival. He first served in 1991, becoming Manchester’s first Black mayor.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Norman’s family and the city of Manchester as they mourn.