Sudbury city councillor Gerry Montpellier has died, city announces

Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier has died, Greater Sudbury announced in a news release Wednesday evening.

“On behalf of city council, I send my heartfelt condolences to Gerry’s wife, son, family and friends,” Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre said in the release.

“He was a devoted advocate for his community and a champion of initiatives in Ward 3. Mourning the loss of Gerry while still grieving the recent passing of Michael Vagnini is an unprecedented and sorrowful experience for our council, our employees and our community.”

Montpellier’s passing comes days after the remains of Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini were found in a seasonal residence. Vagnini, who had been missing since Jan. 27, passed away from medical causes.

Flags will be flown at half-mast in Montpellier’s honour, the city said.

“As an organization and as individuals, we are saddened to learn of Councillor Montpellier’s passing,” said CAO Ed Archer said in the release.

Montpellier was popular in Ward 3, where he was first elected in 2014 and was acclaimed in 2018. He was easily re-elected in 2022.

He went public in 2019 about his serious heart issues. He had open heart surgery and other procedures, before a device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted that helped stabilize his heart condition

Montpellier’s cause of death wasn’t immediately released. Information on arrangements, including details on a public book of condolences, will be available in the coming days.

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