21-06-2025
Officials react to death of Marshall County Commission Chairman David Reed
MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — Marshall County Attorney Clint Maze has confirmed that Marshall County Commission Chairman David Reed died on Thursday, just eight days after being sworn in.
Marshall County Coroner Cody Nugent told News 19 that Reed died as a result of an accidental fall.
Marshall County Commissioner Ronny Shumate said Reed died unexpectedly. Reed filled the vacancy on the Marshall County Commission when longtime Chairman James Hutcheson passed away on May 3.
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He served 15 years on the Guntersville Board of Education, including four years as Chairman.
Maze confirmed Reed's passing to News 19. You can read his statement below:
'Marshall County is shocked and saddened to announce the passing of Chairman Reed this afternoon. Chairman Reed was appointed on June 9, 2025 by Governor Ivey to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Chairman Hutcheson, and was sworn in by Judge Tim Riley on [June] 11, 2025. Please pray for Chairman Reed's family as they deal with the shock and grief of his sudden and untimely death.
Additional information will be released after the family has made arrangements.'
Clint Maze
In addition to the statement, Clint Maze told News 19 that Reed was driven to leave Marshall County better than he found it as the new chairman, making the loss even harder.
'He was going to make a wonderful impact on this county,' Maze said. 'We're stuck now, wondering what could've been instead of reflecting on a long career.'
District 1 Marshall County Commissioner Ronny Shumate said he does not know if the state will use the same applicant pool to replace Reed's position moving forward. This will be the second time the Governor will need to appoint someone to this position in 2025.
'I don't know that they're going to go from that original list, or if they're gonna ask candidates to put out again,' Shumate said. 'Because there may be somebody else that wants to try it out again this time. It's all up in the air right now. We don't know when it's gonna happen or how it's gonna happen.'
Shumate added that Reed will be truly missed and is irreplaceable.
Funeral arrangements are set for Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Guntersville Church of Christ.
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