Dr. Albert Gay PHOTO: FCMH
Derek Myers, Editor-in-chief
A longtime county coroner has died.
Fayette County Memorial Hospital confirmed to Fayette Advocate that Fayette County Coroner Albert Gay died this morning at Mount Carmel West hospital in Columbus.
Fayette County Memorial Hospital sent an email to their employees shortly after 2 p.m. breaking the tragic news of Dr. Gay’s passing.
“We need to inform you of the tragic loss of Dr. Albert Gay, our FCMH hospitalist, who passed away this morning at Mount Carmel West,” read the email. “It goes without saying that he was a respected and cherished member of the FCMH medical staff and family and we will all feel his loss.”
Fayette County Memorial Hospital will have grief counselors on hand at the hospital.
“We know and understand how difficult this is for everyone,” said Chelsie Hornsby, media relations officer for Fayette County Memorial Hospital. “Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Gay was first appointed as county coroner on February 7, 2002 after Dr. Ralph Gebhart resigned due to an ongoing medical battle.
Gay received a degree in engineering from Abilene Christian University and his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Gay was board certified for family practice and did his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Dayton, where he was chief resident.
He was an Air Force veteran.
The cause of Gay’s death was not immediately released.
He was 53-years-old.
Dr. Lenora Fitton has been temporarily appointed by the Fayette County Commissioners as the interim-county coroner.