CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Tennessee lawmaker reportedly passed away overnight at his home in Montgomery County.
Tennessee Representative Jeff Burkhart (R-Clarksville) was found dead at home early Friday morning, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office reported that the call came in around 7 a.m.
Burkhart was a former Clarksville firefighter who rose to the rank of assistant fire chief before joining public service in 2008 as a member of the Clarksville City Council.
He was elected to represent District 75 in Montgomery County in 2022 and held that post until his death on Friday morning.
Several of Burkhart’s Republican colleagues have released public statements expressing their grief over his passing.
Senator Marsha Blackburn said Burkhart will be “deeply missed.”
Tennessee Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) also lent his condolences and described his friendship with Burhart.
The Tennessee GOP released this statement regarding Burkhart’s passing:
“The Tennessee House Republican Caucus is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear colleague, State Rep. Jeff Burkhart of District 75. He served with dedication, humility, and a genuine love for the people of Montgomery County and the great state of Tennessee.
“Rep. Burkhart’s life of public service—from his years with the Clarksville Fire Department and his time on the Clarksville City Council to his work in the General Assembly—reflected his unwavering commitment to community, faith, and the values that bring Tennesseans together. His leadership on infrastructure improvements, education, public safety, and support for working families will leave a lasting impact on our state.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who loved and served alongside him. We offer our deepest condolences as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”
The Tennessee House Democrats also released a statement on his death:
“We’ve lost a beloved member of our legislative family,” said Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons. “On behalf of the entire House Democratic Caucus, I extend our heartfelt, sincere condolences and prayers to Rep. Jeff Burkhart’s family, friends, and loved ones. Rep. Burkhart was an exemplary public servant and champion for the families of Montgomery County. He touched many lives with his service and will be dearly missed by all in our State Capitol.”
Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) called Burkhart a “high-quality man” in an online statement.
Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland) called Burkhart a “good friend” and called for prayers for his family.
The manner of Burkhart’s death is unknown. He was born in Woodlawn, Tennessee, and lived his whole life in Montgomery County.
This is a developing story.
