Brockton Mayor William Carpenter dies suddenly at 62

BROCKTON, MASS. (WHDH) - Authorities are investigating, while colleagues and residents mourn the death of Brockton Mayor William Carpenter, who was found dead in his car Wednesday morning, officials said.

Officers responding to a report of an unresponsive man in a vehicle parked at the Arnone School around 7:30 a.m. identified the victim as Carpenter, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.

The 62-year-old was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Cruz said.

Brockton Fire Chief Michael F. Williams says Carpenter was dropping off his grandson at a summer program when he suddenly died.

“He was dropping his grandson off at a local school,” Williams explained. “After he did that, he, unfortunately, was in his vehicle when he was found by a resident.”

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is working to determine an exact cause and manner of death.

Foul play is not suspected at this time.

“Our office sends its sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Mayor Carpenter,” Cruz said in a statement. “The Mayor was a true partner in our shared pursuit of public safety in the City of Brockton. A longtime participant and attendee at our Operation Safe Streets community meetings, he ensured the participation and cooperation of all levels of city government, from the police to city hall, in our collaborative efforts to make the city a safer place for everyone who lives and works here.”

Carpenter was elected mayor in 2014 and was serving his third term. He previously spent time on the Brockton school board and was the voice of high school sports in the city.

In a statement, Brockton City Councilor Winthrop Farwell said, “There are no politics in death, no politics in grief and sadness. To the mayor’s family, his staff, and his extended family, I extend sincere condolences and sympathy.”

In June, Carpenter pulled nomination papers for re-election, saying he was looking forward to earning votes from city residents in the fall.

Carpenter had been recognized nationally for his advocacy in funding for public education and as an innovator in substance abuse treatment.

He was a resident of Brockton for more than three decades and was a father to six children.

In a tweet, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said, “Our hearts go out to the family of Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, a deeply committed public servant who was dedicated to improving the lives of his neighbors.”

A flag inside Brockton City Hall was lowered to half-staff in honor of Carpenter.

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