Gil Hill, a Detroit police officer who went on to lead the city council, has died at the age of 84.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed to 7 Action News that Hill passed away Monday.
The spokesperson for the family released the following statement:
The Family of Gilbert "Gil" Hill is deeply saddened to inform the public that Gil passed away today and joined the ancestors in the land of glory. As many of you know, Gil had been recently hospitalized and was on the road to recovery. We are relieved that his passing was peaceful and painless. Details on the funeral will be forthcoming. We asked that you pray for the family and respect our privacy during this very difficult time.
Hill is familiar to many not just for his political career, but because he had acting roles in the Beverly Hills Cop movies.
In 2001, Hill unsuccessfully ran against Kwame Kilpatrick in a bid to become Detroit's mayor.
Current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has released the following statement about Hill's passing:
Gil Hill spent more than 40 years serving our city in the Detroit Police Department and as a member of the Detroit City Council. He never stopped believing in our city and dedicated his life to making our city a better place for all. Our condolences go out to his family.
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans released the following statement, reacting to Hill's death:
As a rookie deputy I developed a professional relationship with Gil. Occasionally I would deliver information from the Wayne County Jail to him regarding homicide cases. Our friendship grew as I continued my career in law enforcement and he was always encouraging and supportive of my development. My thoughts and prayers are with Gil’s family during this difficult time.
