An Alabama mayor's life came to a tragic end by apparent suicide shortly after a conservative news outlet released private images of him dressed in women's attire and makeup.
F.L. "Bubba" Copeland, who served as the mayor and as a pastor locally, took his own life last Friday, as reported by NBC News.
The website that published the images had been implored by Mr. Copeland not to do so. Despite his pleas, the outlet proceeded, and his death followed two days after the publication.
Mr. Copeland had defended his private actions, questioning their relevance to his public service: "Does my private habit of dressing up or applying makeup in any way impact my effectiveness as a mayor or as a pastor?"
The story's release by the conservative outlet has sparked outrage, including from a Democratic senator in Alabama who criticized the treatment of Mr. Copeland as "sad and disgusting".
Photo: City of Smith Station
In a climate where harsh judgment seems prevalent, Doug Jones remarked on the harshness of the world and the quickness of society to pass judgment, lamenting the loss of a "good man and a great mayor."
Mayor Copeland was remembered for his leadership during the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck Smith Station, the town he led.
An official autopsy was scheduled to be conducted on the following Monday.
