GILBERT, W.Va. — Mingo County is mourning the loss of one of its leaders.

County commissioner Gavin Smith, of Gilbert, died Monday, following a sudden illness. Smith was just months into his first term as commissioner, having been elected in November and sworn in on New Year’s Day.

His colleagues on the commission remembered him as someone who took public service seriously. Commission President Thomas Taylor called Smith a “very special person” and “a true friend” who was “too good for politics.” Commissioner Diann Hannah said his death is a loss for both the commission and the county as a whole.

Gavin Smith was 64 years old.