The South Bay's LGBT community was reeling as news spread on social media of the sudden death of Silicon Valley Pride's CEO and board President Thaddeus Campbell over the weekend.
The organization's board posted a brief statement on its Facebook page Tuesday, November 26.
"The Silicon Valley Pride board is heavy-hearted on the news of the recent passing of our beloved board president, Thaddeus Campbell," the statement read. "He was a valued leader of our team and will be dearly missed. Please keep Thad's family, loved ones, and his husband in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time."
SVP Chief Marketing Officer Saldy Suriben told the Bay Area Reporter in an email message that the organization would not be commenting further.
Campbell successfully led the organization out of a difficult financial period. Under his leadership, the board made bold moves such as moving the event to the center of San Jose at Cesar Chavez Plaza and reviving the Pride parade. He rallied the tech community, bringing companies and other big sponsors on board.
An outpouring of mourning from friends, family, and community members flooded Mr. Campbell's Facebook page, as well as that of his husband, Kevin Callahan.
State Assemblyman Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) wrote on Facebook Monday, "So sad to hear of the passing of a wonderful man and important leader in the LGTBQ+ community."
Additional information about Mr. Campbell's death was not available by press time.