Campbellton is grieving the sudden loss of its mayor after Michel Soucy died on Saturday at the age of 75, the Campbellton Regional Community announced.
Mayor taken ill at hospital
The community said Mr. Soucy died at the Campbellton Regional Hospital. A statement posted on social media said his family confirmed the cause of death as cardiac arrest.
“In this moment, we want to express our deep admiration and gratitude for the man he was,” said Mario Soucy, one of the mayor’s children.
Mr. Soucy had been elected mayor of Campbellton in the municipal election on May 11 and was sworn into office on May 27. He previously served as mayor of Atholville from 2012 to 2016, before that community was amalgamated into the expanded City of Campbellton.
Community leaders express condolences
The Campbellton Regional Community paid tribute in its Facebook post, saying Mr. Soucy “had a deep love for our community and worked hard every day toward making it a better place to live, work and raise a family.” The post added that “his presence will be missed.”
Further details about funeral arrangements and any interim municipal leadership measures were not available at the time of the announcement. The regional community said it would share additional information when it becomes available.
What is known: a brief timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Elected mayor of Campbellton | May 11, 2026 |
| Sworn in as mayor | May 27, 2026 |
| Previously served as mayor of Atholville | 2012–2016 |
| Death | Sept. 26, 2026 (announced Sept. 26) |
Local impact and next steps
Mr. Soucy’s passing leaves Campbellton without the municipal head who guided the city for only a few months. Under New Brunswick’s Municipalities Act, council must follow local rules to appoint an acting head or hold a by-election, depending on the timing and council procedures. The city has not yet released a formal plan for succession.
Residents and municipal partners can expect the regional community and city council to provide direction on immediate governance matters, including continuity of services and scheduled council business. For now, essential municipal functions typically continue under the authority of the remaining council and administrative staff until a formal interim arrangement is set.
Recollections and public reaction
Tributes on social media and messages from residents highlighted Mr. Soucy’s long-standing involvement in the northern New Brunswick region and his dedication to local issues. Family comments described him as a man of values and convictions whose actions reflected his commitment to his community.
- Mr. Soucy elected mayor in May 2026 and sworn in later that month.
- He had previously served as mayor of Atholville from 2012–2016.
- The family reported the cause of death as cardiac arrest; the community will provide further details when available.
As more information becomes available from the Campbellton Regional Community or the city administration regarding succession and funeral arrangements, officials will likely issue further statements. For now, residents are being asked to respect the family’s privacy as the community mourns.
This report will be updated as the city and family release additional information.
