Macon County official Harold Powell dies on work trip in Italy

A Macon County official died while on a state economic development trip to Italy, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey‘s office confirmed Wednesday.

“It is with great sorrow that I learned today of the passing of Harold Powell Jr. while representing the State of Alabama and Macon County on an economic development mission to Italy,” Ivey said in a statement.

Harold Powell, served as Town Clerk in Shorter and Secretary-Treasurer of the Macon County Economic Development Authority.

“Harold was a leader in Macon County and the Town of Shorter. He was working to position his community to become the home of a Leonardo aircraft manufacturing facility. I send my condolences to Harold’s mother, Shorter Mayor Wille Mae Powell, his father, Harold Powell Sr., his entire family and his many friends.”

No other details about his death have been released. But fellow colleagues and those who knew him have taken to social media to express their condolences.

“Our trip was dampen[ed] by the death of our friend and colleague Harold Powell but we know that his spirit is interceding on behalf of the people of Macon County, because he truly loved Macon County. RIP!” wrote Louis Maxwell, Chairman of Macon County Commission on Facebook Tuesday.

“Yes, he did LOVE Shorter and Macon County. His energy will be missed by so many,” posted Tuskegee resident Stephanie Simon.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.