NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Claiborne County Mayor Joe Brooks died in a motorcycle accident on Friday, October 6, 2023.
The 56-year-old mayor crashed into a guardrail, according to reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Emergency responders arrived, but Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene.
The motorcycle accident occurred on Highway 25E at approximately 7:30 p.m. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mayor Brooks was serving his second term after being elected in 2018. He was a prominent figure in the community, with numerous local officials and organizations expressing their condolences.
According to the Claiborne County Office of Emergency Management, Brooks was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply for the community. The agency noted, “Our hearts go out to his family.”
Additional statements of support came from various local leaders, including State Senator Jessie Seal, who expressed sorrow over the tragic loss, calling Mayor Brooks a man of integrity and commitment to the citizens of Claiborne County.
The Claiborne County Family Justice Center added that Brooks was not only a mayor but a friend, highlighting his advocacy for local citizens.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol has been contacted for further details.