(WXYZ) — The coronavirus has claimed the life of another state leader and well known Detroiter.
Former State Sen. Morris Hood III, 54, lost his battle with COVID-19 on Monday, and now his friends and colleagues are sharing their memories of him.
In a capitol often divided, they say Hood loved to bring people together.
“He embodied and had a grand respect for history, and was always available to give of himself and to serve people,” said State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit). Her colleagues across Detroit and Lansing cannot believe the 54-year-old is gone.
State officials say Hood passed away Monday, after a month-long battle with the coronavirus.
“We felt like he was coming around, he was doing better, it was just a battle," Rep. Gay-Dagnogo said. "I mean he fought hard."
Prominent Democrats from the governor to the state senator who took over his seat in the 3rd District after he was term limited in 2018, are all mourning his loss.
“He came from a legacy of public servants," said Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). "His uncle served here in the legislature and also his father. Education was his top priority here in the legislature.”
Sen. Santana says Hood had a kidney transplant a while ago, but never let that slow down his desire to serve Detroiters – or his family.
“Morris always believed in making sure you put your family first, and making sure you spent time with your family because life is short,” said Sen. Santana.
“Morris was a dear friend. He was a proud Detroiter and continued the family commitment to the service of his community," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "There was not a more loyal friend, thoughtful advisor or quicker wit. Mo was the type of guy that lit up the room and made you glad to be there. He is doing that in his next life now and those of us left here are better having known him. May he rest in peace. My love and prayers go to his beloved family and many friends who grieve this tough loss."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan echoed similar sentiments.
"Our city has lost another champion to COVID-19 with the passing for former State Sen. Morris Hood III," Mayor Duggan said. "In his life and his years of public service, "Mo" carried on his father's tradition of public service and fighting for justice and equality. His passing is a great loss to the community and another reminder of how important it is for all of us to protect ourselves and each other from the spread of this virus."
Morris Hood had most recently served as director of government affairs for Wayne County.
“I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Morris Hood III this morning from complications related to COVID-19," said Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. "Morris served the State of Michigan admirably in both the House and the Senate for nearly two decades, and recently served as a valued member of my administration. He was the very definition of a public servant, one who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others and bettering his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hood family at this difficult time.”
Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) adding, “I can’t say that I ever heard anyone say anything bad about Morris Hood. He was dependable, he could be light and cheerful, but he was also very serious minded. He was just always a dedicated public servant.”
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