FLINT, MI – Flint City Councilman Eric Mays has passed away, as announced by the city on Saturday, February 24.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley of Flint remarked, “This is a tremendous loss for our community and a shock to all friends and family.”. On behalf of Councilman Mays’ family, we kindly request that you respect their privacy and give them time and space to grieve while our community goes through this trying time. We don’t stop praying for the family.
Eric Mays, 65, serving his third term representing Flint’s 1st Ward on the city council, was known for his outgoing demeanor and occasional clashes with fellow council members.
Despite gaining national attention for viral videos showcasing his antics, which amassed over 200,000 followers on TikTok, Mays maintained popularity within his ward, securing re-election three times.
He initially won his council seat in 2013 by a narrow eight-vote margin over Anita Brown. In the following election four years later, he secured a more decisive victory with a vote tally of 1,404 to 580 against Brown.
Mays was re-elected for his most recent term in November 2021.
The 1st Ward, situated on Flint’s far north side, is delineated by Clio Road to the west, Carpenter Road to the north, Person Road to the south, and Saginaw Street to the east.
The city announced that the flag at Flint City Hall will be lowered to half-staff in honor of Mays, starting Monday, February 26.
