Washington city manager confirmed to ABC-affiliate WCTI that Hodges, a Washington native, died shortly after 5 p.m.
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"We are heartbroken. Very heartbroken," the city wrote in a post. "But, we are also thankful for his amazing leadership, vision and most importantly the friendship he provided, always with a smile, to everyone he met and had an encounter with. "
Hodges had been hospitalized since late-July, according to WCTI.
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"I'm grateful to have worked with such a strong leader and ECU supporter who made a real difference in the lives of many," Governor Roy Cooper wrote.