Updated: Clark Co. judge-executive’s death from COVID-19 complications stuns leaders
The sudden death of Clark County Judge-Executive Chris Pace, who had COVID-19 complications, shocked friends and fellow Republicans who paid tribute to the leader.
Pace passed away Thursday at the Clark Regional Medical Center, Clark County Coroner Robert Gayheart told WKYT, the Herald-Leader’s reporting partner. WTVQ reported Pace had been in quarantine and battling the virus for a few days before he was taken to the emergency room Thursday night.
“I don’t have the right words to describe how absolutely stunned and devastated I am at the passing of my friend, Clark County Judge-Executive Chris Pace,” 28th District State Sen. Ralph Alvarado said in a Facebook post. “He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, and a devoted public servant. He was my brother in Christ and I will dearly miss him. My prayers are with his wife Shannon and his children — Jack, Roman and Maria. His passing is a profound and lasting loss for our community.”
It’s unclear if Pace was vaccinated or if he had any underlying health conditions.
Pace has held the office since 2019.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete Friday afternoon at Scobee Funeral Home in Winchester.
News of Pace’s passing quickly spread. Friends and fellow politicians all over the state offered their condolences to his family.
“I join the Clark County community in mourning” Pace, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said. “He did an incredible job advancing Clark County’s priorities and many counted on his diligent leadership. As a former county judge, I know just how important his work and passion was for advocating for families and workers throughout the region.”
Michael Smith, executive pastor of Church of the Living God., said he was shocked by Pace’s death.
“I know the ‘…God of all comfort’ (2 Cor. 1:3) will give His comfort and peace to Chris’ wife, three children and the rest of his family,” Smith said. “Chris had the best interest of Clark County at heart. It was important to him to honor Christ as a public servant. I am so appreciative of that. It was an honor to call him friend!”
“My deepest sympathy for the family of Clark County Judge-Executive, Chris Pace, passing overnight from complications stemming from COVID-19,” Bracken County Judge-Executive Tina Teegarden said in a Facebook post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pace Family and the Clark County citizens.”
This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 7:45 AM.
