The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is mourning the loss of chairman Fred L. McGhee, who died in a hospital in Mobile, Alabama, on Thursday. He was 56.

McGhee was in the hospital when his heart and defibrillator failed. He had a history of heart disease but the exact cause of death has not been reported.

McGhee served two terms as chairman of the tribal council. His most recent term began last June when he was selected over incumbent longtime chairman Eddie Tullis.

Funeral services will be held at Atmore Memorial Chapel on Sunday, with visitation on Saturday. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Poarch Creek Indians c/o Fred L. McGhee, 5811 Jack Springs Road, Atmore, AL 36502.

Get the Story:
Poarch Creek chairman Fred McGhee dead at 56 (AP 5/19)
Poarch Creek chairman dies (The Montgomery Advertiser 5/19)
Poarch Creeks' McGhee dies (The Mobile Press-Register 5/19)

Related Stories:
Fred McGhee, Poarch Creek Chairman passes away (5/18)
Poarch Creek Band probes missing gaming funds (10/13)
Former governor calls for tax on Indian gaming (08/11)
Editorial: Compact with Poarch Creeks a bad idea (08/09)
Poarch Creek Band council chooses new chairman (6/21)
Poarch Creeks report record turnout for election (06/08)
Choctaw chief not worried about Creek gaming (05/05)
Poarch Creek Band opens temporary facility (03/29)
Conservative group presses Indian gaming probe (12/15)
Poarch Creek Band removes gaming machines (12/09)
Alabama attorney general releases gaming report (12/02)
Poarch Creeks to ask NIGC for opinion on poker (10/20)
Alabama officials discuss gaming with Ashcroft (09/09)
Alabama officials meeting with Ashcroft about gaming (09/08)
Poarch Creeks not afraid of state's investigation (08/17)
Poarch Creek Band weighs options for casino (07/27)
Poarch Creek chairman pushes for Class III compact (07/07)
Poarch Creek Band pushing for Class III compact (05/21)
Poarch Creek Band's casinos fund operations (04/15)
Poarch Creek Band wants revenue-sharing deal (04/08)