Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter Dies At 62

BROCKTON, MA — Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter died Wednesday morning. He was 62. The Brockton Enterprise reported he had a heart condition. He was reportedly found unresponsive in his car after dropping off a family member at the Arnone School.

Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz's Office is investigating the death, but said foul play is not suspected. An autopsy will determine Carpenter's cause of death.

Carpenter, a father of six, recently announced he was running for a fourth term. He was first elected in 2013.

"Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, a tireless champion of his beloved City of Champions, has died," a statement from the City of Brockton said Monday afternoon.

Carpenter was the longtime radio voice of Brockton High School sports and had a lengthy stint as a professional boxing ring announcer, according to his biography on the Brockton city website.

"His indefatigable and infectious approach to governing had created unprecedented momentum and urban renewal in the city's downtown.

Last week, Carpenter welcomed new fire department recruits and touted a new downtown housing development on Main Street at a site that sat vacant for decades.

During his tenure as mayor, Carpenter faced death threats and someone even set his vehicle on fire in December. Carpenter was unfazed.

"Nothing is going to interfere with my ability to do my job every day," he told The Enterprise.

"Mayor Bill Carpenter was a true champion for the City of Brockton, & a devoted public servant," U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren tweeted. "Bruce & I send our prayers to Bill’s family & the people of Brockton. We’ll be with you every step of the way."