The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry into the matter, as reported by the Tennessee Star, following the discovery of the deceased Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny by officers from the Tullahoma Police Department on Tuesday.
“Matheny, 53, formerly served as a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 47 from 2002 to 2018. He was elected mayor of Coffee County on August 4, 2022,” the outlet reported.
“Just after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, TPD announced that Matheny was discovered deceased by officers at his home, located at 1909 E Lincoln St., after the department received a call ‘reporting a possible death,’” the report continued.
The ongoing investigation has been transferred to the TBI, as stated by the local department.
“The Tullahoma Police Department expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and constituents during this difficult time,” TPD said in a Facebook post. “Mayor Matheny dedicated his life to serving our community, both as a successful businessman, farmer, and as a committed public servant. His leadership and dedication will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny found dead at his home https://t.co/MKCTLe9m5S
— Audra Filomena Russo (@AudraFilomena) April 3, 2024
Matheny died the day after he recorded the most recent episode of The Mayor’s Message, a weekly program on YouTube where he provided updates on the county and conducted interviews with community members.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said of the late mayor: “I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of my longtime friend and public servant, Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny.”
“Since Judd was elected to the House in 2002, we were close friends. As an elected official, he attacked his role as a public servant with vigor and passion and always had the safety and success of Coffee County and our state in mind when taking action. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time of grief,” Hargett added.
Tennessee U.S. Representatives Mark Green (R-TN-07) and John Rose (R-TN-06) also spoke out about Matheny.
Camie and I join Tennesseans in praying for the family and loved ones of Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny. A statesman, businessman, and farmer, his service as Mayor and a State Representative will never be forgotten.
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) April 2, 2024
Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny will be remembered by many for his decades of public service, both at the county and state level.
I hope you’ll join me in praying for his family and friends in the days ahead. This is an unexpected and tragic loss.
— Congressman John Rose (@RepJohnRose) April 2, 2024
