Leesburg Mayor Ed Mackey has died.

Mackey was fatally injured Thursday morning, while operating a bulldozer on his property, just off Keener Drive in Leesburg.

Cherokee County Coroner Jeremy Deaton said Mackey was working on a bulldozer outside a shop at his home about 10:30 a.m. when the equipment engaged and he was pulled underneath it.

Deaton said the mayor was pronounced dead at the scene, from multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

Mackey’s son was working inside the shop and heard a loud noise outside. He went outside and discovered the accident, the coroner said.
The death has been ruled accidental.

Mackey served as mayor of Leesburg since 2000; over that time the town has experienced a substantial amount of economic growth and is currently home to three major industrial plants proving jobs to more than 1,100 employees.

The Town of Leesburg released a statement saying ” The Town of Leesburg is saddened by the sudden death of Mayor Edward Mackey. Mayor Mackey was at his residence working on a piece of equipment and had an accident and was pronounced dead by Cherokee County Coroner Jeremy Deaton. Mayor Mackey had been very proactive with the Town and he will be greatly missed by all.”

The loss of Mayor Mackey is being felt all across the county, Centre Mayor Tony Wilkie offered his condolences on behalf of the City of Centre.

We also spoke to Cedar Bluff Mayor Tammy Crane who had the words on behalf of the Town of Cedar Bluff.

Mayor Mackey was 72 and leaves behind his wife Diane along with their children. Funeral services have not been announced at this time, we’ll pass those along as they become available.