VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - The city of Valdosta announced May 23 that former Mayor John Fretti died on May 22.

The city offered sympathies to the two-term mayor’s family and friends. The announcement did not disclose what led to the mayor’s death.

Current Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson said, “John was a visionary and a true public servant. His leadership left a lasting legacy on our city, and his love for Valdosta was evident in everything he did. He will be deeply missed.”

The city said Mayor Fretti “genuinely loved serving as mayor.”

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