Nashville mayor’s son dies of apparent overdose
The only son of Nashville Mayor Megan Barry — whom her office described as “a kind soul full of life” — has died of an apparent drug overdose, and she asked for privacy as she and her husband face life “without his laughter and love.”
The office released a statement Sunday from Barry and her husband, Bruce, saying 22-year-old Max Barry died Saturday night in Denver.
“Early this morning, we received news that no parents should ever have to hear,” the couple said. “Our son Max suffered from an overdose and passed away. We cannot begin to describe the pain and heartbreak that comes with losing our only child. Our son was a kind soul full of life and love for his family and friends.”
Max Barry graduated in June from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash.
Investigator Melinda Rose of the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office in Denver told the Tennessean that an official cause or manner of death would not be declared until after the results of an autopsy.
The newspaper reported Max Barry had recently moved to Denver. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jenny Fulton told the Denver Post that Barry died at a private residence in the county. Fulton added the death is not considered suspicious.
Max Barry “had a loving environment,” Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Richard Dinkins said Sunday. “He was not pampered and spoiled. He was very grounded, had a very happy childhood.”
Condolences poured in on social media.
The Tennessee Titans posted a statement of sympathy on its website.