Town in Craven County mourns the loss of mayor

RIVER BEND, N.C. (WNCT) — The Town of River Bend announced that their mayor suddenly passed away Saturday.

Mayor John Kirkland was initially elected as the town mayor in 2003 and was re-elected in 2019. The next election period was to be this year.

On the town’s website, Mayor Pro Tem Buddy Sheffield wrote:

“It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that our beloved mayor, John Kirkland, has passed away suddenly.  Mayor Kirkland spent his entire life in service to his country and to the town he loved.  His dedication to River Bend was unmatched.  He will be greatly missed.  As Mayor Pro Tem I will fill in the best I can until a permanent replacement is named.”

Funeral arrangements had not been announced.

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