Eric Mays, a prominent politician and member of Flint City Council, passed away on Saturday, February 24th, at the age of 65, due to natural causes following an illness.
Mays, who represented the northwest side of Flint since 2013, was known for his ‘bold and courageous service’, as well as his viral social media presence.
He was also termed a controversial figure in Flint politics, often clashing with his fellow council members and city officials over various issues, such as the water crisis, the budget, and the police department.
He was also involved in several legal troubles, such as being charged with impaired driving in 2013, being suspended from his position for 90 days in 2023 for disorderly conduct, and being sanctioned by a U.S. District Judge in 2021 for attorney fees in a lawsuit against the city.
Despite his many controversies, the Councilman was also a popular and charismatic leader, who had a loyal following among his constituents. He hosted a podcast called “The Eric Mays Show”, where he discussed local and national issues, and often made humorous and provocative comments.
He also gained fame on social media platforms, such as Tiktok and Twitter, where he posted videos of his speeches, interviews, and interactions with the public.
Eric Mays’ death was announced by the City of Flint on their website and Facebook page, where they expressed their condolences and praised his service. They wrote,
“Our prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire city of Flint during this time of sorrow. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and all those who loved him.”
They also included in their post that the flag at Flint City Hall “will be lowered to half-staff in his honor beginning Monday.”
His funeral arrangements have not been disclosed yet, but his family has requested privacy and respect during this difficult time.