Hundreds gather to remember longtime Hickory mayor

HICKORY, N.C. — Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Hickory Monday to remember longtime Mayor Rudy Wright.

Wright died at his home Thursday.

Family members later shared that it was a suicide.

Wright was first elected mayor back in 2001.

He was remembered Monday for his love of Hickory and the people he served.

"He was just really so nice and always remembered me even after I retired. It was big hug,” former librarian Louise Humphrey said. “It was just a shock and a big loss for the city."

Family members are encouraging others to seek help if they know someone who is considering suicide or is depressed.

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