Redding announces unexpected death of City Manager William Tarbox
The death occurred Sunday, according to a press release shared by the city. The Redding council is expected to appoint an interim manager this week.
Redding City Manager William Tarbox died yesterday, July 19.
A press release from the city today shared information about Tarbox’s short tenure in Redding, adding that additional details about his death won’t be released in order to protect the privacy of his family.
Mayor Mike Littau expressed his grief about the loss, saying he worked closely with Tarbox over previous months and can’t imagine what his family is going through.
“Our hearts are with Will’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” Littau wrote. “We are grateful for his service to the City of Redding and extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and cared for him.”
Tarbox was appointed by the Redding City Council late last year. He began his term as city manager in February and quickly launched an efficiency study that’s still in progress.
The city’s press release described him as having been committed to serving the Redding community and spending his time working alongside city employees, elected officials and community partners.
“As the City mourns this loss, the City Council will work to ensure a thoughtful and orderly leadership transition,” the press release said, adding that the appointment of an interim city manager would be considered by the council during its regular Tuesday meeting this week.
By text, Littau said that when he first met with Tarbox he asked the new city manager if he was a fan of the San Francisco Giants. Shortly after, he said, Tarbox began wearing a Giants hat around City Hall, cementing their friendship.
Referring to him as a great family guy, Littau added that he had tremendous respect for Tarbox and the work he had begun doing for Redding.
“William put us on a good path and has given us some good blue prints moving forward,” Littau said. “I am at a total loss thinking about his wife and family.”
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This article is effectively an obituary: not a news article. I have read both the Channel 7, KRDG, webpage article, and the (Redding) Record Searchlight article about the death of Mr. Tarbox: neither read that he died from a short and/or sudden illness. The last time that I “checked” (which has been many years ago), all sudden deaths were subject to the jurisdiction of the coroner, and coroner reports with the exception of certain photographs were public records.
The privacy of City Manger Tarbox’s family is important, but it does not have priority over transparency in government. Shasta Scout would do well for its readership by inquiring at the Office of Shasta County Coroner as to the death of Mr. Tarbox. If the information there about his death is public information or will be shortly, then Shasta Scout can determine if there is anything news worthy as to his death.
Why do you need to know so bad RW? The cause will come out when it comes out.
Did he actually DO anything?
This is so tragic. I grieve for his family. I grieve for the loss of his leadership in a time when Redding is struggling after years of poor management decisions. He set the bar high for us and I pray it stays there. He left a big imprint on us in a very short amount of time here. Prayers going up for his family.
Why NOT sharing Tarbox’s CAUSE OF DEATH? He was a PUBLIC SERVANT, thus it is in the best INTEREST of the community to be informed on this matter (e.g. Did Mr. Tarbox disclose to COR any preexisting health condition before being nominated?)
Absolutely none of our business unless foul play is suspected, regardless of your ALL-CAPS INSISTENCE.
I enjoyed working with Will. It was quite clear that he was knowledgeable and had a passion for public service. My heart goes out to his friends and family.
These sudden deaths are usually widow maker heart attacks.
Yep. By far, the most common cause of sudden death is heart attacks.
.
That’s followed in descending order by traumatic injuries (e.g., car wrecks), strokes, and suicides. Add those three sudden mortality causes up and they still amount to only about 2/3 the number of heart attack deaths.
Heart attacks are usually euphemistically described as “a brief sudden illness.” Complete radio silence more often indicates opting out.