BUFFALO, N.Y. — Tragedy struck the family of the acting mayor of Buffalo, New York, as his brother, Mark Scanlon, died in a hunting accident after falling from a tree stand, as reported by authorities.

Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon shared the heartbreaking news in a statement released Thursday, expressing that his family has experienced “a sudden and tragic loss” with the passing of his brother. Mark Scanlon, who was 54 years old, reportedly died while participating in one of his favorite pastimes, hunting.

The New York State Police indicated that on Wednesday evening, officers were dispatched to locate a hunter who had not returned to his vehicle in East Otto, situated approximately 50 miles south of Buffalo. Upon investigation, authorities discovered Mark Scanlon in a wooded area, having succumbed to injuries from what appeared to be a fall from a portable tree stand. Police confirmed that there were no indications of foul play in the incident.

Mark Scanlon served with the Erie County Sheriff’s Department and was remembered fondly by his brother, who described him as “a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, who was loved by those who knew him.”

Chris Scanlon, a Democrat, assumed the role of acting mayor of Buffalo on October 15, following the resignation of Mayor Byron Brown, who left the position to take on leadership at an off-track betting agency. At 43 years old, Chris Scanlon, previously the president of the Buffalo Common Council, is now set to complete the remainder of Mayor Brown’s term, which will conclude on December 31, 2025.