Covington councilmember Paul Selland died at the age of 65 on Sunday, Feb. 24.

According to Karla Slate, communications and marketing manager for Covington, Selland’s family has not released many details about his death, but said his death was unexpected.

“It was a surprise to everyone,” Slate said.

Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner released a statement about Selland.

According to Wagner, Selland was the newest member to the Covington City Council. He began serving in January 2018.

“We are saddened by the death of Covington City Councilmember Paul Selland,” Wagner said in his statement. “Paul brought a unique perspective to the city council and I am thankful for the chance to get to know him over the past year.”

Slate said Wagner shared his statement during the Feb. 26 city council meeting to let everyone know why Selland was not there.

Looking forward, Slate said there is a vacant spot on the council that needs to be filled.

She said councilmembers will have to consider how they would like to fill that position.

Along with being a councilmember, Selland was an avid community member.

Wagner said he served on the Covington Arts Commission and had a special interest in industrial and commercial art.

He said Selland liked those aspects of art so much, he asked the city to look into a Public Arts Maintenance policy, which the city is moving forward with.

Wagner ended his statement with,”our thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family and friends, he will be greatly missed.”