Rick Russell, Clanton’s Building Inspector, died unexpectedly Wednesday

Russell,  54, had been with the city approximately four years, was found by an office worker at city hall around closing time, said Mayor Billy Joe Driver.

“We really don’t know what happened. We sat here yesterday and talked about zoning,” said Driver. “He never let on anything was wrong. You just never know.”

Authorities also said that rescue was called and Russell was transported to a hospital, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

“He was preparing to leave work, and just collapsed,” said Clanton Fire Chief David Driver. “We received the call from the co-worker at 4:32 p.m., and we tried to resuscitate him for 15-20 minutes, and then transported him to the hospital.”

Mayor Driver expressed that Russell, who was originally from Butler County, would be sorely missed.

“It was a sudden shock, his passing at City Hall,” he said. “We’re all torn up pretty bad. Rick was a good fella, and a good worker. He was learning most of this job on his own.”

He survived by his wife, Lynn, and his sons, Taylor and Lee.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Clanton First Baptist Church’s Community Center. The service will be held at 10 a.m. at Clanton First Baptist, with Martin Funeral Home officiating.

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