The Fayette County Courthouse
The Fayette County Republican Party announced on Tuesday that they are seeking resumes to fill the coroner’s position left vacated by by the unexpected passing of Dr. Albert Gay.
Fayette County Coroner Dr. Albert Gay was laid to rest in the Washington Cemetery Monday afternoon after a solemn ceremony held at the Crossroads Church on Halliday Drive.
Gay, 53, died unexpectedly at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus following complications with his cardiovascular system.
Gay, who was appointed Fayette County’s coroner on February 7, 2002, was admitted to the Fayette County Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department on Saturday after reportedly experiencing complications with his heart.
He was transferred to Mount Carmel West in Columbus where he was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure related to the complications; he later unexpectedly died.
“The republican central committee, by law, cannot fill the position for the first five days after the office is left vacated,” said Fayette County Sheriff and central committee person Vernon P. Stanforth. “But they also must make an appointment within 45 days.”
According to Stanforth, those interested in filling the position should mail a resume to Wayne Arnold, 4213 Palmer Road, Washington C.H., by certified mail on or before April 4. For questions, call Arnold at 614-620-2014
The Fayette County Commissioners appointed Dr. Lenora Fitton as acting county coroner in the emergency meeting last week that was held at the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas.
Fitton — who owns her own pediatric practice — was the county’s deputy coroner for two years before being sworn in as acting coroner last Wednesday afternoon at the Fayette County Courthouse.
Fitton — who attended Oklahoma State and completed her residency in Columbus at Doctors Hospital and Nationwide Children’s — has lived in Fayette County since 2003 and owns ABC Pediatrics.
She will remain acting county coroner until the Fayette County Republican Central Committee can hold a special meeting later this month to review the resumes received.