JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A judge whose body was found near the Natchez Trace is remembered as dedicated, selfless and kind.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain says it’s still too early to say what caused the death of Rankin County Chancery Judge Dan Fairly.
His body was found Friday off Mississippi 43 near the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
State Rep. Bobby Moak, the Democratic leader in the state House, says he knew Fairly as an attorney in Brookhaven and also practiced several times in Fairly’s court. “He always treated me with kindness,” said Moak, of Bogue Chitto.
The state Supreme Court said Friday that Fairly had recently taken medical leave.
Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. says Fairly was one of the most dedicated and selfless public servants he’s known.
Chancery judges handle a wide variety of cases, including divorces, child custody disputes and land disputes. Fairly was one of two chancery judges in District 20, which is entirely in Rankin County.
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