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Warner Robins Mayor Dies From Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
Kendall Herold
Story Created:
Sep 28, 2009 at 11:52 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Oct 2, 2009 at 1:46 PM CDT
A longtime Warner Robins political leader is pronounced dead Monday, leaving city officials and residents in shock.
FOX 24's Kendall Herold has the details into the death of Mayor Donald Walker.
John Havrilla
"Donald Walker was a man who loved Warner Robins. He really, really loved Warner Robins. And if you talk to all his family, that's one of the first characteristics they'll all identify about him."
Clifford Holmes
"Shock is an understatement of what has happened this morning to our Mayor, to the City family."
Bob Wilbanks
"He's going to be sorely missed. Just look at everyone here. He did a lot of wonderful things for Warner Robins."
Warner Robins Councilmen were in shock upon hearing of the apparent suicide of Mayor Donald Walker, who died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Chief Brett Evans says Patricia Walker made the initial 911 call at 11:09 AM from the Walker's Hickory Avenue home.
Chief Brett Evans
"We arrived on the scene. It appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. From this point forward, the EMS did what they needed to do at the scene, along with the Warner Robins Fire Department."
Walker was first taken to Houston Medical Center, and was then escorted by police to the trauma center at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. The 60 year old was pronounced dead at the Medical Center at 1:49 PM Monday. Chief Evans tells FOX 24 that the Mayor died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Kendall Herold
"Flags wave a half mass in honor of Mayor Donald Walker here at Warner Robins City Hall. City Councilman met to discuss the future of the city, without the man who led them for 15 years."
John Halvrilla is now serving as acting mayor, and says city workers must continue to serve Warner Robins.
John Halvrilla
"We have to fulfill our duties to the public, and we have to balance that with our grief, and with our sympathy for the Mayors family."
Walker had been mayor since 1994. He was seeking a fourth full term in the November city election, but faced a challenge from three other candidates. City Councilman say city officials will receive a day off for Mayor Walkers funeral. Kendall Herold, FOX 24 News.
Some public officials have released statements regarding Mayor Walker's death.
Macon Mayor Robert Reichert, Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart, Congressman Jim Marshall and State Senator Cecil Staton are among those who say they are saddened by the news of mayor walker's death.
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Reemby Parada said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 7:09 AM
May the Lord Jesus Christ, and all angels in heaven, guard and protect Mayor Walker. No matter what the reason for him to part from us, he is also a creature of our lord. May the Lord, God keept his soul and protect his family, lets not critisize but celebrate his life, after all as Jesus once said "Let him, who is free os sine, cast the first stone" we are not here to judge Mayor Walker, but to pray for his salvation and to easy the pain of his family. It is time to UNITE as one.
Neta said on Monday, Sep 28 at 8:53 PM
Heartfelt sympathy to the family.
1234 said on Monday, Sep 28 at 7:14 PM
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to The Walker Family, Especially Mrs. Walker. May God comfort you during these rough days. I will always remember one thing about Mayor Walker, he fought hard for WR to have these technical schools as well as college. He gave us an option for education without having to go far from home. Whether anyone wants to admit it, Mayor Walker has done alot for our city. How he chose to end his has nothing to do with the postitive things he did for us.
Tracie said on Monday, Sep 28 at 5:45 PM
Prayers and thoughts go out to the family. May God have mercy on the souls of those evil people that are commenting such horrible things and not caring about the hurt this family is going through. Please people think of this as being a member of your own family. Would you like it if others trashed their memory?
Mara Jones said on Monday, Sep 28 at 5:35 PM
May God forgive him and may his family take refuge in knowing that he was a great man. I know that God is embracing him as we speak and may God embrace all of you in this time of sorrow. RIP MAYOR WALKER! YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Anonymous said on Monday, Sep 28 at 4:21 PM
I express my deepest sympathy to the Walker Family. I am fairly new to Warner Robins but I have heard only good things about Mayor Walker. My prayers and thought are with the family in their time of sorrow.
Kandy said on Monday, Sep 28 at 4:13 PM
Are they sure he shot himself?
Legeng said on Monday, Sep 28 at 3:32 PM
One must ask the question of why did he shoot himself? A good news organization should be investigating this.
Tony said on Monday, Sep 28 at 2:18 PM
may god be with the walker family during this time of sorrow of loosing a great leader of the great city of warner robins Georgia.. he will be a hard mayor to replace as he did so much for warner robins Georgia
MICHAEL JENKINS said on Monday, Sep 28 at 2:10 PM
THIS WAS A TERRIBLE THING THAT HAPPENED MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF OUR FAMILY'S PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY OF MAYOR WALKER DONALD WAS A GOOD MAN AND I PRAY THAT GOD WILL BE WITH THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF
Eckel Hunt III said on Monday, Sep 28 at 1:32 PM
My prayers go out to his family,rest in peace mayor walker you will be missed.
Michelle said on Monday, Sep 28 at 12:55 PM
My prayers go out to the Walker family in this time of sadness. Mayor Walker is a good man, and has done great things for Warner Robins.
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