Stamford Coronavirus Updates: Board Of Ed Member Dies From Virus

STAMFORD, CT — Jack Bryant, a member of Stamford's board of education and former president of the city's NAACP chapter, died Thursday morning due to complications related to the new coronavirus, according to city officials.

The news was announced Thursday by Mayor David Martin, who referred to Bryant as an "incredible community leader" who helped shape Stamford's culture for the better.

"I worked closely with [Bryant] even before I was elected mayor, when he was president of Stamford's chapter of the NAACP," Martin said in a statement. "Jack possessed a deep knowledge of Stamford, an unwavering commitment to our community, and a strong love for the people of our city. Jack was passionate about his views, and he knew how to guide the discourse on important issues while keeping our community whole. He sought to add to our city and make it better, even on contentious issues.

Bryant was elected to the board of education in November, winning out over Eva Maldonadoto fill a one-year vacancy on the board. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for free Patch alerts and daily newsletters from all across Connecticut.)

"I have always considered Jack a person of absolute integrity, fearless conviction and unyielding in his principles," Martin said. "It is for these reasons he was a leader for the NAACP, an influential minister and a new board of education member following last year's election. I am honored to consider Jack a friend, and I am devastated by his death. I share my condolences with his family and with the many other people in Stamford who are undoubtedly shaken by this news."

Board of Education President Andy George said the board was "profoundly saddened" by Bryant's passing.

"While [Bryant] often attended board meetings as a member of the public over many years, his new status as a member brought fresh perspectives and reinvigorated the commitment to community outreach," George said in a statement. "His presence will be greatly missed. Our condolences and hope for peace go out to his family."

Superintendent Tamu Lucero also expressed sorrow over the tragic news.

"Our collective hearts are heavy with the news of the passing of Jack Bryant," Lucero said in a statement. "Jack has been a selfless advocate for our families and an asset to our entire community for many years. The constant love and support the Stamford Public Schools received from Jack's leadership in the community will be impossible to duplicate. We share our deepest sympathies with his children, family and friends."

The virus, also referred to as COVID-19, is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.