Newly elected mayor killed in ‘unavoidable’ motocross accident, Georgia officials say

A northwest Georgia mayor was killed in a motocross accident just months after taking office, according to news outlets.

Perry Bell, mayor for the City of White, died Saturday, Sept. 24, while competing in an event at Lazy River Motocross near Dalton, WSB-TV and WBHF Radio reported, citing city officials. He was 54.

Bell suffered blunt force trauma when he crashed his bike and was hit by another rider, according to the Cartersville Daily Tribune News.

“It was an unavoidable accident,” Murray County Deputy Coroner Jonathan Sosebee told the newspaper. “From what I understand, he was on a jump and then he crashed on top of a jump. There was another rider right behind him and he was unable to do anything … he wasn’t able to see him to avoid it.”

Bell was taken to a hospital in Chatsworth where he died, The Associated Press reported. The other rider was also hospitalized after receiving minor injuries in the wreck but was later released.

Bell took office in June and was remembered for his love of serving his community.

“He was just a caring person for the community and just wanted to help the people who lived here,” Mayor pro tem Gary Crisp told WSB-TV.

Friends and family also took to social media to share fond memories of Bell, affectionately known as “Giant Buddha .”

“This man is LEGEND! He accomplished so much in a short period of time,” a friend wrote on Facebook, highlighting Bell’s love for adventure. “His most recent accomplishment was winning the mayoral election in White, Georgia. I know if given the chance he would’ve made the town he fell in love with a better place to live for all the residents.”

“I’m going to miss my Giant Buddha so very much,” another person commented. “He was amazing in every sense of the word. A true once in a lifetime friend. I’m absolutely shocked, devastated and heartbroken.”

McClatchy News reached out to the City of White for comment Monday, Sept. 26, and was awaiting a response.

The accident remains under investigation.

White is about 50 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta.

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