Macon, Sep 28 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Warner Robins Mayor Donald Walker was pronounced dead at 1:49 p.m. today after he suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head, Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said.

Police Chief Brett Evans confirmed that, ‘The wound appears to have been self-inflicted.’

Walker, 60, was rushed to The Medical Center of Central Georgia early this afternoon. Police Authorities were sent to his Warner Robins home this morning after a report of a gunshot there. City workers, desirous of more information were asked to go to the Civic Center for more information.

Vickie Barnes, a long-time family friend, was among those who drove to the Medical Center.

“The doctor just came in and said the wounds are horrific. He’s lost a lot of blood,” she said. “His family is just being real strong right now.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall, a former Macon mayor, said he was shocked to hear of Walker’s death.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. His exceptional legacy as mayor will be difficult to match. His is truly a life worth celebrating.”

Walker’s next-door neighbor, Clint Maddox, was home when police were on the scene.

“There were five or six police cars with all the lights going,” Maddox said. The yard was roped off when Maddox said he stepped outside his home this morning.

Maddox called Walker a “tender-hearted” man.