Indiana Town Council Candidate Dies on Election Day After Collapsing While Greeting Voters at Polling Site

David "Red" Worrall, 59, previously served one term as a Clarksville councilman, leaving the office to navigate health issues. This year, he said, he felt "up to the task" of reentering the political arena

Election Day brought great loss to an Indiana town, when a local leader and town council candidate died hours before votes were tallied.

On Tuesday, lifelong Clarksville resident David "Red" Worrall was greeting voters outside a polling station when he abruptly collapsed, according to a spokesperson for the town. He was rushed to the hospital, but died a short time later.

The 59-year-old Republican had served on the council previously, but stepped back from politics to navigate health issues. He said that he had been “approached by several groups of people” who encouraged him to run for office again, adding that this year, he felt “up to the task of making another run."

Related: Louisiana Mayor Running for Re-Election Dies in Car Crash on Election Day

“It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of David 'Red' Worrall, who passed away earlier this afternoon,” the Town of Clarksville said in a statement announcing his death.

“A former member of the Clarksville Town Council and current At-Large candidate, David's dedication to our community was truly commendable," the statement continued. "We will never forget his passion for public service and his unwavering desire to create positive change in our Town. David's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and the community he strived to serve.”

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Worrall owned and operated an auto repair shop in Clarksville for 35 years.

In a candidate Q&A on the town's website, Worrall was asked what he would change about Clarksville, if he had the opportunity. “Really can’t answer that question, love this town and wouldn’t live anywhere else," he responded.

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