By Tanya Terry, with photos of Flint City Councilman Quincy Murphy by Tanya Terry
Longtime community activist and Flint City Councilman Quincy Murphy has died as of September 29.
Murphy was elected during the November 2022 election. His ward was on the northeastern corner of the city. It is bounded by Carpenter Road on the north, Saginaw street and ML King Avenue on the west and Hamilton Avenue on the south.
Murphy was known for serving the youth on Flint’s north side with meals and summer programs at Dewey Park
The City of Flint released this statement after Murphy’s death:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Flint City Councilman Quincy Murphy. The beloved community activist and Third Ward councilman was a tireless advocate for the residents he served. We offer our deepest condolences to his family.
‘My prayers are with Councilman Murphy’s family, friends, and all those who loved him,’ Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “During this difficult time of grief, I ask our community to respect the privacy of Councilman Murphy’s family. This is a moment to come together as one unified community in the spirit of service that Mr. Murphy embodied.’
The flag at Flint City Hall will be lowered to half-staff in Councilman Murphy’s honor beginning Monday, September 30.”
Murphy was facing a recall election in November.
“I will be running for my seat again,” Murphy said. “I will not be giving up my seat. I’ll continue to do the work I was elected to do.”
Ladel Lewis, president of the Flint City Council council, who has also been the target of recall efforts, released the following statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague Councilman Quincy Murphy.
We mourn alongside his family, friends residents of the 3rd ward, and Flint as a whole.
Councilman Murphy’s passion for Flint was unmatched. His dedication to blight elimination and community development is why the 3rd ward has thrived so much during his tenure.
Please keep his family and friends lifted in prayer at this most difficult time.”
Murphy had been hospitalized earlier in September for what he thought was dehydration. He had complained about social media speculation concerning his health.
Murphy’s death is the second death of a Flint City Council member in 2024. It followed the death of 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays who died on Feb. 24.
