Bellevue Mayor Dies

The city of Bellevue says Mayor Ed Babbitt has died. A city news release sent late Wednesday says city officials were informed of the death by Babbitt's family.

The news release says it was issued by the acting mayor, Council President Gary Mixan, and City Administrator Gary Troutman.

They called Babbitt's death “a great loss for the city.'' The statement did not provide details on the cause, time or the day of Babbitt's death.

The family has been communicating only limited information through city officials. Several news reports say the 70-year-old Babbitt had a heart attack or some heart-related problem Sunday night.

The city had previously said Babbitt's duties had been assumed by Mixan.

Babbitt won election to the post in November 2006.