Councilman Dies In Freak Accident After Tree Flattens His Car While Driving Son Home From Soccer Practice

A West Virginia city councilman died in a tragic freak accident on Wednesday, Sept. 15, after a tree fell on his car while driving his son home from soccer practice.

John Kennedy Bailey, 53, a city councilor of Charleston, was reportedly killed after being fatally struck as a tree fell on his vehicle while he drove his son home late Wednesday. Bailey’s teen son was uninjured in the accident, Daily News reported.

"It is with profound sadness we mourn the loss of Charleston City Councilman John Kennedy Bailey," Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said in a statement. "A devoted husband, doting father, loving son, loyal brother, and a dear friend to many including my husband and me."

Goodwin also said in her statement that Bailey was "an incredible councilman" and noted that he was "always leading with integrity, honor, and passion."

Bailey's friends and colleagues described him as a “fun-loving, welcoming, out-going soul.” He was involved in Little League sports and volunteered as a board member in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, a local newspaper in Charleston. He also served as an aide to Democratic Congressman Nick Rahall on Capitol Hill and clerked on Wall Street, according to WCHS-TV.

The news of Bailey's accident brought a rush of condolences from those who knew him.

“He’s irreplaceable. He’s one of those people that don’t come along every day,” Bernie Layne said. “It sounds cliché to say that, but Bailey is a once-in-a-lifetime guy. He was a character, but a really good character.”

“He had a common denominator. He was a kind, loving person,” Troy Giatras said. “It is often underrated and overused, but I am going to use it. Bailey was a ‘good person.’”

Bailey's friends described him as a man who wore many hats. He was described as the life of the party, an attorney, a city council member, and a family man. Bailey reportedly treated the city of Charleston as his extended family and worked diligently to make the city better. His colleagues also recall that Bailey was kind towards everyone, even during difficult situations.

“You just can’t grasp that someone who you presume was always going to be there for you, you’re never going to see them again,” Shawn Taylor said.

Bailey is survived by his wife Holly, and his children, Jack, Brooks, and Lisette.