Smiths Station mayor who was subject of ‘internet attack’ kills himself

Editor’s note: The Ledger-Enquirer rarely reports on suicides. A decision was made to report this story, due to the public nature of the death and the prominence of the victim.

Smiths Station Mayor Fred ‘Bubba” Copeland shot and killed himself Friday afternoon, police confirmed, days after a blog posted photos of Copeland dressed as a woman.

Copeland, who also served as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Phenix City, responded to the online story during a Wednesday evening service at his church, saying he was the subject of an internet attack.

“The article is not who or what I am,” he said. “Yes, I have taken pictures with my wife in the privacy of our home in an attempt at humor because I know I’m not a handsome man nor a beautiful woman, either. I apologize for any embarrassment caused by my private and personal life that has [become public]. This will not cause my life to change, this will not waiver my devotion to my family, serving my city, serving my church.

“I’m thankful for the grace of God... I have nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of things that were said were taken out of context.”

Friday afternoon, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received information that they needed to check on Copeland. They found him driving in the Beulah community in Lee County, and they began a “slow pursuit.” Copeland eventually pulled his vehicle over and shot himself.

Copeland was first elected as Smiths Station mayor in 2016 and received widespread recognition for his response to a 2019 tornado that tore through the small community.

This story was originally published November 3, 2023 at 9:33 PM.