On April 11 and 12, flags in Mount Vernon were flown at half-mast to commemorate the life of former city councilmember Josh Kirby, who succumbed to brain cancer on April 9. Kirby was 47 years old at the time of his death.

Council President Bruce Hawkins expressed his sorrow upon learning of Kirby's passing.

"It is with great sadness that I learned yesterday of the death of Josh Kirby. Josh fought a courageous battle against brain cancer for the past two years, and I have been praying for him and his family during this ordeal," Hawkins said, as reported by a Mount Vernon press release.

According to the same press release, Mayor Matt Starr ordered both state and U.S. flags to be lowered in honor of Kirby.

Kirby assumed office as a First Ward city council member on Jan. 1, 2022, after being elected in 2021 as a replacement for Samantha Scoles. This information was also provided by the Mount Vernon press release. A few months into his term, Kirby was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Despite his illness, he continued attending council meetings when possible until health reasons necessitated his resignation on Oct. 20, 2022. James Mahan was appointed to complete his term on Nov. 4, 2022 and continues to serve in that capacity.

Mayor Starr lauded Kirby's courage following his diagnosis.

"The courage and determination that Josh exhibited after receiving his diagnosis were a lesson and inspiration to us all," Starr said, according to the Mount Vernon press release. "He has left us much too soon, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones. He will truly be missed."

Kirby is survived by his wife, Missy, and their three sons, Wyatt, Logan, and Tucker, as stated in the Mount Vernon press release. The family held a private graveside funeral followed by burial. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to www.stachestrong.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting brain cancer.