A former chairman of Arizona’s Ak-Chin Indian Community has died. The tribe says 57-year-old Louis Manuel Jr. died unexpectedly Sunday.
Manuel served multiple terms on the Tribal Council and oversaw the community whose reservation is near Maricopa.
Current tribal Chairman Robert Miguel calls Manuel a great leader, father, husband and friend. He says Manuel loved his community and always put his people first.
A spokesman for the tribe did not elaborate on the cause of death but said it's not related to the coronavirus.
Funeral services are pending.
Flags have been lowered within the tribal community in honor of Manuel.