City of New Orleans announce death of Jason Cantrell

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The City of New Orleans announced the passing of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s husband, Jason Cantrell.

The announcement came Monday, Aug. 14 from Director of Communication Gregory Joseph.

“It is with great sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of First Gentleman Jason Cantrell. He was a devoted husband and father, as well as a dedicated public servant who valiantly served the residents of this city not only alongside Mayor Cantrell but also as an experienced family, civil and criminal attorney. First Gentleman Cantrell will forever be missed and cherished by his beloved family, the legal community and the entire City of New Orleans. May he rest in God’s eternal peace. Our love and prayers remain with Mayor Cantrell, their daughter RayAnn and the entire Cantrell family. We ask that you please respect their privacy during this challenging time.”
The City of New Orleans

Throughout the day, other leaders commented on Jason’s passing.

“The New Orleans Police Department is saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s husband First Gentleman Jason Cantrell. On behalf of the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I offer my deepest and sincerest condolences to Mayor Cantrell, her daughter RayAnn, and the entire Cantrell family. First Gentleman Cantrell spent several years serving his community as an Orleans Parish Public Defender representing juveniles and adults in criminal matters ranging from curfew violations, drugs, and gun possession to armed robbery and homicides. He also spent several years in the city attorney’s office where he successfully prosecuted misdemeanor municipal offenses and traffic violations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Cantrell and her family,” said Superintendent of Police Michelle Woodfork.

“My family and entire staff at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office send our deepest condolences to the Cantrell family as they grieve this massive loss. I have known Jason and his wonderful father, retired Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell the better part of my adult life. I met Mayor LaToya Cantrell through Jason, and I was in attendance when they exchanged their wedding vows. He was a passionate lawyer, but more importantly, he was just a really kind and sweet man. You would never leave his presence without a good laugh. Jason was a friend and colleague, who I will miss both professionally and personally. Rest in peace to my friend and may God give happiness and health to his family, especially the apple of his eye, his daughter Ray. I pray that she finds comfort and solace in the beautiful memories Jason leaves with her,” said District Attorney Jason Williams.

“We are all saddened and shocked by the loss of Jason Cantrell. I, along with my entire staff, offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mayor Cantrell and her entire family on the passing of her husband Jason. The Cantrell family has lost a father, a son, and a spouse, and I encourage all New Orleanians to lift the Mayor and her family up in prayer during this tragic and difficult time,” said Councilwoman-at-Large Helena Moreno.

“Our collective thoughts are with Mayor Cantrell, her family, and her team during this challenging time. With our fellow city leaders, we stand united in offering our support. At this time, we not only acknowledge Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s steadfast service to the City of New Orleans but also her unwavering commitment as a dedicated mother and caregiver,” said Poco Sloss, President Pro Tempore of the Board of Directors at the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.

“Grieving alongside our Mayor and her family, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans family extends our deepest condolences. We stand ready to provide the support she needs, both as our esteemed leader and valued friend,” said SWBNO Executive Director Ghassan Korban.

“On behalf of the entire RTA family, I send sincerest condolences to Mayor Cantrell, her family and the rest of the Cantrell family on the passing of her husband, the First Gentleman Jason Cantrell. We pray the Mayor, her family and friends can find comfort, peace, and healing during this difficult time,” said New Orleans RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

“I join the City Hall family in extending my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Attorney Jason Cantrell at his passing. It is important to remember in our prayers his daughter RayAnn, his long-time partner and wife, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and his immediate and extended family during this time of challenge. I pray that they will find solace and hope in the memory of the good times spent with Attorney Cantrell while he was here with us,” said Councilmember Eugene Green.

LaToya ordered all City of New Orleans flags to fly at half-staff in memory of Jason.