Belmont councilman, former mayor Eric Reed dies

Belmont City Councilman Eric Reed died on Friday following an extended battle with cancer, city officials announced Monday.

Reed, who had served on the City Council since 2013 and as mayor in 2016, died at home with his family by his side. He had recently celebrated his 50th birthday, according to the city.

Mayor Charles Stone ordered flags at all city facilities to be lowered to half-staff in memory of Reed.

“Despite the toll of battling this awful disease, Eric continued to dedicate himself to bettering Belmont, as he had since 2008 when he joined the Planning Commission,” Stone said in a statement.

“His wisdom, wit, grace, and clarity of good intention were amazing to behold. He was taken from all of us far too soon,” he said.

Reed’s term ends in November 2018 and the City Council has not yet discussed how to fill his vacant seat.