Tag: obituary

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Local News Politics

Former Gubernatorial Candidate Gatewood Galbraith Dies

Lexington attorney Gatewood Galbraith, a perennial candidate in Kentucky politics for decades died late yesterday.

Galbraith was 64. His death was made public on Facebook by his former running mate Dea Riley. The cause of death has not yet been released, but LEX 18 is reporting the Fayette County coroner said Galbraith had been dealing with congestion and died in his sleep.

During the 2011 gubernatorial race, Galbraith ran as an independent against Democratic incumbent Steve Beshear and Republican David Williams. On the issues, he took positions on freezing tuition, legalizing marijuana and banning mountain removal among others.

Galbraith appeared on our program last year during the campaign to talk about his platform, what motivated him to keep running for office and why he wanted to be governor.

Reaction from lawmakers and state officials is beginning to pour in as news of Galbraith’s death spreads across the commonwealth.

“Gatewood was a gentleman and true Kentucky icon,” State Auditor Adam Edelen said via Twitter. “I’m sad to hear of his passing.”

Phillip M. Bailey contributed to this story

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Local News

Hundreds Pay Tribute To Unseld

by Gabe Bullard

Family and friends gathered at St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville Tuesday morning to remember Metro Councilman George Unseld.

Unseld died on Thursday as he was preparing for a Metro Council meeting. Council President Tom Owen told mourners the group is at a loss without Unseld representing the 6th District.

“Very little good was done at the Metro Council without first touching base with George,” said Owen. “He was in the game to the very end. He sought no advantage, but was righteously indignant if the playing field was not level for all.”

Other speakers noted Unseld’s work as an educator and advocate for children.

Wes Unseld said his brother George’s public service was inspired by their father.

“He always tried to impart in us at least three things: be a man and learn how to take care of yourself; and after you do that, learn how to take care of your family; and then, the third, learn how to take care of your community,” he said, adding later that Unseld did not seek rewards for his efforts.

“Some of us, I put myself included, we believe in helping people if it gets headlines or something, but he really cared about…I’m going to say you,” he said. “He really did.”

Unseld was 66 and was interred at Calvary Cemetery in Louisville.

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Local News

Councilman George Unseld Dies After Collapsing In Office

by Gabe Bullard

Louisville Metro Councilman George Unseld died Thursday evening after collapsing in City Hall.

The 67-year-old Unseld was alone in his office before a council meeting when colleagues say they heard him fall. He was found bleeding. Councilwoman Vicki Welch led CPR efforts until Unseld was taken to University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Unseld had been receiving dialysis for kidney problems, yet Mayor Jerry Abramson says the councilman remained devoted to his work.

“Every time there was a meeting, every time there was a reason to be at City Hall, he was there,” says Abramson. “And you know there were days that he had been through dialysis or he had been through some painful situations, and yet, when it was time, he was there.”

It’s unclear at this time whether Unseld’s previous health conditions contributed to his collapse.

Unseld was first elected to the City of Louisville Board of Aldermen in 1998 and then was elected as one of the first members of the Metro Council in 2002. He represented the sixth district, which includes, among other neighborhoods, Old Louisville and California. The council has 30 days to elect a successor to serve the remaining two and a half years of Unseld’s term