Former Metro Councilman Loniel Greene Dies

NASHVILLE, TN -- Former Metro Councilman Loniel Greene Jr., an Iraqi War veteran, died Wednesday. He was 37.

Greene was hospitalized at Centennial after a cardiac arrest July 8. His cause of death has not yet been released.

"Loniel loved serving our community and our country. His sudden death has been heartbreaking and he will be dearly missed," his family said in a statement. "We would like to thank his medical team and the numerous community members, and elected officials that have stood with Loniel in prayer during this trying week and have expressed their love and condolences during this time."

Elected to represent District 1 in 2015, Greene resigned from the council after an investigation began into whether he perjured himself during a bond hearing. Later, he was convicted of pressuring a domestic violence and rape victim into not testifying against his cousin. He was disbarred and sentenced to two years probation.

"On behalf of the community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the Loniel Greene family. Especially, we are praying for his mother, who has shown amazing courage throughout this ordeal. Although Councilman Greene’s tenure was very short in District One, we thank him for his service and the good he was able to do during that time," State Rep. Brenda Gilmore said in a statement.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Photo via the Metro Council Office