Ferguson, MO  (KTRS)  The city of Ferguson is mourning the loss of a long-time political figure.

Councilman Brian Fletcher passed away in his sleep Sunday morning. Fletcher became the 2nd Ward Councilman after defeating Bob Hudgins in the April election. He also previously served as the mayor of Ferguson.

Fletcher was the founder of the “I Love Ferguson” campaign. This was in an effort to heal the community in the wake of the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014.  This involved selling yard signs, coffee mugs, and T-shirts to raise civic pride and money for businesses damaged by riots. Fletcher also spearheaded an effort to revive the “Pumpkin Walk.”

Fletcher was 56.