Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner died Friday at the age of 70, the City of Tuscaloosa announced.

Tyner, first elected as District 5 councilor in 1997, was serving his seventh consecutive term on the council and his second as council president. He represented the Alberta community on the city’s east side for 29 years.

“My heart is heavy today as we mourn the loss of a truly consequential public servant,” Mayor Walt Maddox said.

“Council President Tyner was a steadfast and lifelong champion for Alberta, whose unwavering commitment shaped the community in profound and lasting ways. Following the catastrophic April 27, 2011 tornado which devastated 65% of Alberta, Mr. Tyner emerged as the driving force in the rebuilding and revitalization of his district. The Alberta we know today, and the promising future it is poised to embrace, stand as a testament to his tireless service, exceptional vision, and lifelong devotion to the people he represented. Mr. Tyner’s impact will be felt for generations. We are deeply grateful for his leadership.”

The city did not announce a cause of death. Tyner had been hospitalized at DCH Regional Medical Center since mid-August after a fall at home.

In a Facebook post responding to rumors about his health, he wrote that the DCH trauma team found he was bleeding internally, that an endoscopy showed two ulcers and that he had been in the ICU since Aug. 12. He said he planned to return to his full council duties the following week.

Maddox told reporters at the time that the two had been texting every day during the hospitalization.

“He is a Tuscaloosa legend and we all wish him well,” Maddox said.

During his tenure, Tyner championed the recruitment of SWJ Technology to Alberta, the development of the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center, improvements along Juanita Drive and the University Boulevard East Improvements Project, according to the city.

Tyner was a Tuscaloosa native and a graduate of Tuscaloosa High School and the University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in journalism.

According to his city biography, he owned Kip Tyner Productions, served as assistant press secretary to U.S. Senator John Sparkman and hosted “Great Day Tuscaloosa,” a daily community affairs program on Comcast Channel 21. He was named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Man in 1986.

Tyner was also a lifelong advocate for animal welfare and served as chair of the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Advisory Committee.

“The passing of Councilor Tyner is met with a heavy heart but fond memories of the leadership and dedication that he has contributed to District 5 and the City of Tuscaloosa as our Council President,” District 2 Councilor Raevan Howard said.

“His leadership and accomplishments in District 5 will live on for generations to come. He was not just a community leader, but he was a friend to everyone he met and wanted the best for all of Tuscaloosa. Council President Kip Tyner will always be remembered in our hearts and community.”

Maddox ordered city flags lowered to half-staff in Tyner’s honor. Memorial arrangements will be announced.