Atlanta

Morehouse interim president dies suddenly

ATLANTA — The Morehouse College community is mourning the sudden death of interim president William “Bill” Taggart.

Taggart, who was named interim president in April, died suddenly Wednesday night.

Taggart is an Atlanta native who graduated from Howard University.

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The college’s board of trustees released the following statement about his death:

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Interim President William J. "Bill" Taggart, a beloved colleague, father and friend. For the past two years, Bill devoted himself wholeheartedly to Morehouse College. We are eternally grateful for his loyal support, counsel, and the leadership he provided to students, faculty, and alumni. Throughout his tenure, Bill had a positive impact on Morehouse College and the Greater Atlanta business community. He leaves behind a long legacy of compassion, integrity and devotion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

Mayor Kasim Reed also released a statement about Taggart's death.

“I am saddened by the passing of Morehouse College Interim President William Taggart. Bill was a respected businessman, a devoted father and husband, and a civic leader dedicated to our city. He has served Morehouse College with distinction for the past two years, providing steady leadership for one of the nation’s best HBCUs and one of the most important educational institutions in the City of Atlanta. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family and with the entire Morehouse community. For all his accomplishments, I know Bill had so much still to give. This is a loss we will feel for a generation."

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution an autopsy will be conducted Thursday.

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