An Alabama pastor and mayor took his own life last Friday after a conservative blog wrote a story about him wearing women’s clothing as a “hobby.”
The conservative blog 1819 News published the social media accounts of FL “Bubba” Copeland, who was mayor of Smiths Station, Alabama, and pastor of the First Baptist Church in Phenix City, and said she called herself Brittini Blaire Summerlin, describing herself as a “ curvy transgender girl in transition.”
Copeland posted on Reddit posing as his alter ego and had a private Instagram account, according to the conservative blog.
In a welfare check on Friday, authorities searched for the pastor at his home, and then at a local market he often went to, before spotting him driving on a county road, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office .
Officers then turned on their emergency lights and tried to get him to stop. When he finally did, the pastor got out of the car and shot himself in the head in front of them, the New York Post reported.
“We had no idea Copeland would die instantly,” said county Sheriff Jay Jones.
“There were obvious concerns for his well-being, and officers were attempting to get him to stop, make contact with him, assess the situation and then take action based on that assessment.”
In previous days, Copeland had spoken to his congregation about the story published by the conservative news blog, Huffpost reported.
“I have been attacked on the Internet,” Copeland said during a speech Wednesday that was broadcast live on Facebook. He noted that he had taken photographs with his wife “in the privacy of our home” and apologized for “any embarrassment” he had caused with his “private and personal life.”
According to 1819 News, the mayor allegedly confirmed that he was behind Brittini Blaire Summerlin’s social media accounts, stating that it was to “get rid of stress” and was a “hobby” and a “fantasy.”
Alabama Mayor Dies of Apparent Suicide Days After Website Publishes Pictures of Him Allegedly in Women’s Clothes – Breaking911
In a somber turn of events, Smiths Station, Alabama Major Fred ‘Bubba’ Copeland took his own life on Friday afternoon, police confirmed. pic.twitter.com/NezME9rXIJ— Patriot Kimm Schuman (@SchumanKimm) November 7, 2023
He also deleted the accounts after the conservative outlet contacted him and asked 1819 News not to publish them.
“What I do in my private life has nothing to do with what I do in my holy life,” Copeland allegedly told 1819 News. “Does this have any effect on me being mayor, sometimes putting on a dress or sometimes putting on makeup? Does that have anything to do with me being mayor or pastor?
Dark days for Copeland
The pastor told a friend, days after his secret was discovered, that he was experiencing some “dark days.”
“After a day or two of seeing people relentlessly attacking Bubba, I became quite upset and decided to reach out to him,” former Phenix City Schools Superintendent Larry D. Chiara told NBC News.
“It was the day before his death. I told him, ‘Bubba, keep your head up, you’re a good man with a big heart.’ Never forget that. Call me if you need me,’” Chiara declared.
“His response was: ‘Thank you. It’s been a dark few days.’ And I said, ‘I’m sure, just hang in there and it’ll pass.'”
Chiara blamed Copeland’s death on those who mocked him online, who continued to do so even after he committed suicide.
“Some people are just cruel even about the man’s death,” he said, adding that Copeland’s son “is having a really hard time.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat with 988lifeline.org for mental health support.
Additionally, you can find local crisis and mental health resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside the United States, visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
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