NEW ORLEANS — The city of New Orleans announced that the husband of New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, Jason Cantrell, has died.
“It is with great sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of First Gentleman Jason Cantrell," Director of Communications Gregory Joseph said in a press release.
While most people in the community knew Jason Cantrell as the mayor’s husband, or as a longtime attorney, City Council member Oliver Thomas knew him as a friend.
“Jason was one of those carefree, fun-loving, jovial kind of people,” Thomas said. “He was part of our men’s group. Guys that would get together to play cards, play dominos, talk trash. He was a highly respected and very valuable member of our group.”
Known in recent years as the city’s ‘First Gentleman,’ Cantrell had his own legacy of community service, a tradition that began with his father, former Criminal Court Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell.
As a member of the Orleans Public Defender’s Office, Cantrell represented defendants in juvenile court. In 2009, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat as a Juvenile Court Judge.
After that, he worked as an Assistant City Attorney. It was during that time that Cantrell suffered an embarrassing episode when a joint of marijuana fell from his pocket while standing next to two New Orleans police officers in Municipal Court.
He was cited for a municipal misdemeanor.
After his years in public service, Cantrell worked as an attorney in private practice.
“His public service rivaled his wife's public service,” Thomas said. “If you knew Jason: public defender, being out in the community.”
While no cause of death has been announced, those who knew Jason personally were aware of recent health issues, including recovery from a stroke.
“The last couple years have been challenging for him in terms of his health,” Thomas said. “And it’s very sad. All the guys are sad.”
The official statement from City Hall echoed those sentiments.
“He was a devoted husband and father, as well as a dedicated public servant who valiantly served the residents of this city not only alongside Mayor Cantrell but also as an experienced family, civil and criminal attorney,” the press release stated. “First Gentleman Cantrell will forever be missed and cherished by his beloved family, the legal community and the entire City of New Orleans.”
Local and city leaders took to social media to share their condolences.
“We are all saddened and shocked by the loss of Jason Cantrell,” Councilwoman Helena Moreno said. “I, along with my entire staff, offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mayor Cantrell and her entire family on the passing of her husband.”
The New Orleans Saints organization, on owner Gayle Benson's behalf, also offered condolences.
“On behalf of the entire New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organizations, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Jason Cantrell. Our prayers and condolences are with Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her family during this time of grief,” the Saints wrote.
Mayor Cantrell ordered the city’s flags to fly at half staff in her husband’s honor. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
In addition to his wife, Cantrell leaves behind his 15-year-old daughter, RayAnn. Jason Cantrell was 55.
Local and city leaders took to social media to share their condolences.
"We are all saddened and shocked by the loss of Jason Cantrell," Councilwoman Helena Moreno said. "I, along with my entire staff, offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mayor Cantrell and her entire family on the passing of her husband."
“On behalf of the entire New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organizations, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Jason Cantrell. Our prayers and condolences are with Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her family during this time of grief," the New Orleans Saints organization said on Mrs. Gayle Benson's behalf.
At this time it is unclear what the cause of death may be.
This is a developing story, stay with WWL-TV for the latest information.