The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating the death of Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny, who was found deceased inside his home by the Tullahoma Police Department (TPD) 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.
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.”
TPD said the case surrounding Matheny’s death is an “ongoing investigation” which has been handed over to the TBI.
“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.”
Matheny’s death comes one day after his office published the latest edition of The Mayor’s Message, which is a weekly pre-recorded show on YouTube where Matheny gives updates about the county and interviews members of the community.
Tributes to Matheny poured in following the news of his death.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett was among those who paid tribute to Matheny, saying, “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 said.
Tennessee U.S. Representatives Mark Green (R-TN-07) and John Rose (R-TN-06) also released statements on Matheny’s death.
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
“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,” Green said.
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
Rose called Matheny’s death “an unexpected and tragic loss,” adding that the mayor 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,” Rose said.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
A warrior of the cause. A true Patriot. We lost one of our own. A great friend. We shared the foxhole of politics many days and I’m much better for having served with him. So is everyone else that had the opportunity. Our family prays for his. What a tragic loss for all.
Arterial blockage from the C19 shots is increasingly common these days…
My heart is grieving. He was such a warm and genuine person, and passionate patriot. It was a sad day for our state and nation when he was not sent to Washington to represent us.
RIP.
Sad loss. Was it from the Covid jabs?