In a shocking turn of events, the Mayor of Smiths Station, Bubba Copeland, who also served as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Phenix City, was found dead on November 3, two days after a controversial article about him was published on 1819 News.
The police confirmed his death as a suicide.
The article, published on November 1, had detailed Copeland's online activities, where he posed as a transgender woman under the pseudonym "Brittini Blaire Summerlin." The report stated, "In the social media posts, Copeland can be seen wearing several articles of his wifes clothing, as shown by her social media.
Additionally, Copeland regularly commented on other posts, referring to himself as a thick transgender woman and encouraging other transgender individuals to go on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Copeland also posted transgender pornography, often giving vivid captions describing being a whore and getting f****d.'"
The report also revealed that Copeland posted photos in women's underwear and wrote transgender erotica. When confronted by the news outlet, Copeland confirmed the accounts were his but requested they not be published due to his family and his role in the church. He described it as a "hobby" and a stress-relief mechanism. He was also found advising people about chemical transitions on social media.
"Just my wife knows about it," Copeland said. "Its a hobby I do to relieve stress. I have a lot of stress, and Im not medically transitioning. Its just a bit of a character Im playing. I dont go out and seek solicitation or anything like that."
He further added, "What I do in private life has nothing to do with what I do in my holy life. Does this have any effect on me being mayor, that I sometimes put on a dress or sometimes put on makeup? Does that have anything to do whatsoever with me being mayor or being a pastor?"
On the day the report was published, Copeland told the Alabama Baptist that he was the target of an internet attack. "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," Copeland continued. "Im thankful for the grace of God and willingness to forgive. I have nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of things that were said were taken out of context. I love my family. They are number one."
Following the news of Copeland's death, his church issued a statement saying, "We have become aware of the alleged unbiblical behavior related to the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Phenix City. We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well."
According to local station WTVM, the sheriffs office received information regarding the mayor needing a possible welfare check around 4:15 p.m. CT. Deputies found Copeland in the Beulah community area, where a slow pursuit began. Officials say the mayor turned onto Lee Road 275 north of Yarbroughs Crossroads and pulled over. When he exited his vehicle, he produced a handgun and used it to take his own life.
Copeland had addressed the controversy during Wednesday nights worship service, just before his tragic demise. His death has left the community in shock, raising questions about the pressures of public life and the consequences of personal choices becoming public.
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