Tragedy Strikes Smiths Station as Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland Dies by Suicide

The small town of Smiths Station, Alabama, is in mourning after the death of their mayor, F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, who died by suicide on Friday. Copeland was also a pastor at First Baptist Church of Phenix City.

The tragedy occurred two days after the conservative news blog 1819 News published a story with photos of Copeland allegedly wearing women’s clothing and makeup. Copeland had a private Instagram page and posted on Reddit as his alter ego, Brittini Blaire Summerlin, referring to himself as a “Transitioning Transgender Curvy Girl.”

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that Copeland died in front of police officers who were performing a welfare check.

The church released a statement on Sunday, saying, “First and foremost, we ask that you keep Pastor Bubba Copeland’s family in your prayers today, and in the days ahead.”

The death of Copeland has sparked a debate about the ethics of the 1819 News’s decision to publish the story. While the blog has defended its decision, many have argued that it was an invasion of privacy and a violation of Copeland’s rights.

The death of Copeland has left the small town of Smiths Station in shock and mourning. The community is now coming together to remember Copeland and to support his family during this difficult time.