Madison Mayor Damon Welch Passes Suddenly Overnight

Welch was elected Mayor of Madison in 2011, and reelected in 2015.

(Madison, Ind.) - Madison Mayor Damon Welch died this morning after what is believed to have been a heart attack.

Welch was elected mayor in 2011, and was reelected in 2015.

The City of Madison released the following statement on Death of Mayor Welch:

"With great sorrow, the City of Madison joins all its citizens in mourning the passing of Mayor Damon Welch. Mayor Welch awoke with health complications early this morning. He was rushed to Kings Daughters Hospital where he subsequently passed. Shortly after 9 a.m., city employees were directed to lower the flags at City Hall and other city properties, in memory of the mayor. All city employees and office holders offer their heartfelt compassion to his wife Ginny, his children and grandchildren."

City functions such as trash pickup will continue today. Any changes will be noted on the city website, www.madison-in.gov.

Indiana Code 3-13-11-15 provides that the President Pro Tempore of the City Council becomes acting mayor until the vacancy is filled by the political party caucus. Current Madison City Council President Dan Dattilo will fill the vacancy until the Republican Party holds a caucus.

Arrangements are pending at Morgan-Nay Funeral Centre.