The small city of Smiths Station, Alabama, is grappling with the sudden loss of its mayor, F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, whose death on November 3, 2023 was ruled a suicide by local authorities.
Copeland, who also served as a pastor at the First Baptist Church of Phenix City, was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred shortly after a controversial exposure of his private life by a conservative news outlet. The Lee County coroner confirmed the death, and an autopsy was scheduled to further investigate the circumstances.
The news of Mayor Copeland’s passing came as a shock to the community he served. According to reports, just days before his death, a website known as 1819 News published photographs that allegedly depicted the mayor in women’s clothing and makeup under the secret online persona “Brittini Blaire Summerlin.” The publication included explicit photos and details, igniting a storm of controversy and debate.
In response to the revelations, Copeland, 49, had addressed his congregation, apologizing for any embarrassment caused by the publicity of his private activities but reaffirming his identity and commitment to his role both as a mayor and a pastor.
The aftermath of the publication saw various reactions from the community and public figures. Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones expressed his criticism of the treatment Copeland faced by the media, reflecting on the harshness of public scrutiny. He reminisced about his previous interactions with Copeland, including their collaboration after a tornado in 2019, which required communicating with the Trump administration for disaster relief efforts.
Smiths Station, with a population of approximately 5,384 according to the 2020 census, is located in Lee County, near Columbus, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama. It is a community that has been historically tight-knit, and the impact of Copeland’s death is felt deeply among its residents.
In the wake of the news, the First Baptist Church of Phenix City has extended gratitude to the community for their support and prayers during this challenging time. Along with many in Smiths Station, they are mourning the loss of a figure who played a significant role in their community.
The event has prompted discussions about privacy, public life, and the pressures those in leadership positions face. Copeland’s situation highlights the complexities that can arise when personal matters become public, especially for public figures.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Department conducted a welfare check on Copeland after concerns arose about his well-being. He was found driving on a country road and when stopped he killed himself in front of the police.
Before his death, Copeland had communicated to the 1819 News writer that his online activities were fictional, describing them as a hobby and a means to relieve stress.