When the story out of FBC Phenix City and the nearby city of Smiths Station broke the morning of Nov. 1, it shocked the local area as well as the Baptist family across the state and nation.
By the evening of Nov. 3, however, those same communities experienced a second shock to learn FBC Phenix City pastor and Smiths Station mayor Bubba Copeland took his own life.
During the Nov. 1 Wednesday night church service, Copeland addressed the article released online that morning by 1819 News.
The article reported Copeland had a secret online presence and posted explicit content and images under the name Brittini Blaire Summerlin.
Copeland, sharing from the pulpit and acknowledging the audience joining via livestream, called the article an “internet attack.”
“I apologize for any embarrassment caused by my private and personal life that has become public. … This will not waver my devotion to my family, to serving my city, to serving my church,” Copeland said.
“I’m thankful for the grace of God and willingness to forgive. I have nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of things … were taken out of context.”
“I love my family. They are number one,” he said. “I’m sorry for what my actions have caused. I’m thankful for the hundreds … of people who have reached out to me today in love.”
On Nov. 3, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Copeland’s death by suicide. The Opelika-Auburn News reported that deputies had been asked to check on Copeland when the incident happened.
“The office received information at approximately 4:14 p.m. Friday that a welfare check was needed for Copeland,” according to the OA News article.
“Deputies found Copeland in the Beulah community and a slow pursuit ensued (to Lee Road 275). [He then] pulled over … exited the car with a handgun and took his own life, authorities said.”
Along with prayers for Copeland’s family, his church and the community, the deputies on duty that day also need our prayers.
Share with others: