Justin Flippen, the mayor of Wilton Manors, died suddenly Tuesday. Flippen was 41. He was elected mayor in 2018 after serving 10 years as a city commissioner. City officials said that Flippen apparently was driving to Tuesday evening’s City Commission meeting when he became ill and died.

Like all of us who knew him, I am devastated by the news of Justin Flippen’s passing. Justin was a fine public servant, a wonderful person, and a dear friend. My thoughts are with his family as we all mourn this tragic loss. May Justin rest in peace. https://t.co/eL7Woc4xFR

— Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) February 26, 2020

A spokesperson for the city of Wilton Manors confirmed the news of Flippen’s passing and said those close to him said he suffered a “medical episode.”