Courtesy photo/South Daytona Web site. South Daytona Mayor Blaine O'Neal died Friday. He was 43.
SOUTH DAYTONA -- Mayor Blaine O'Neal died suddenly Friday of an apparent heart attack, city officials said. He was 43.
O'Neal was working in his chiropractic office Friday morning when he collapsed and was transported to Halifax Health Medical Center, where he died at 8:30 a.m.
"The thoughts and prayers of the City Council and City employees are with his wife Lisa and children Riley and Blaine," said City Manager Joseph Yarbrough. "This is a tragic loss of a young and vibrant family man, professional and public servant."
The mayor's death is a great loss to both the City and Volusia County, he said.
Yarbrough added, "The City has lost a leader that brought passion and unwavering commitment to our community. He worked hard and was never too busy to meet with anyone. The mayor loved this community and his priorities were his family and the residents."
Mayor since 2005, O'Neal had served on the South Daytona City Council since 2000. He was serving as president of the Volusia League of Cities, vice-chair of the Volusia Council of Governments and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Mayors.
O'Neal's commitment to community service was also evident in the numerous other committees, civic and professional organizations he served, city officials said on the South Daytona Web site.
Funeral arrangements are pending.