JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UF Health Jacksonville is mourning the loss of CEO Dr. Leon L. Haley Jr., according to a statement released Saturday.
The specific details of his death have not been released at this time.
UF Health issued the following statement:
It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of UF Health Jacksonville CEO Leon L. Haley Jr. Dr. Haley was a strong, inspirational leader and beloved son, father, friend and colleague. We ask that you keep his family in your prayers tonight and in the coming days.
We do not have specific details of his passing at this time. We ask that you respect the privacy of Dr. Haley's family, friends and colleagues at UF Health.
Dr. Haley was such an incredible leader and colleague to all of us at UF Health, but he was also a good friend to so many, an amazing advocate for equality in health care, and most importantly a man of integrity who always wanted to do the right thing," said David R. Nelson, MD, senior vice president for health affairs and president of UF Health. "This is not only a tremendous loss to Dr. Haley's family, friends and the people he led at UF, but also to our communities in North Florida and elsewhere around the country. His leadership and friendship will be missed, but we will come together and continue his vision."
Mayor Lenny Curry took to Twitter to share a thoughtful memory of Dr. Haley and send condolences to his family.
Haley was the first person to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Jacksonville last December. Many physicians and agencies around Jacksonville released statements showing appreciation for his hard work and leadership during the pandemic.
"Dr. Haley was a wonderful leader, and a friend. His absence will be deeply felt, especially right now as our hospital is struggling through a Covid surge," Dr. Chad Neilsen wrote on Twitter.
Dr. Adriana Cantville, a Pediatrician at UFHealth sent First Coast News the following statement.
Dr. Haley was the embodiment of leadership, compassion and kindness. He greeted everyone with a warm smile. He spent his last day at UF going from unit to unit helping vaccinate staff. This is a devastating and tragic loss for our hospital and the community. He provided us such clear guidance and led with strength and grace through the uncertainty of the pandemic. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
Haley served on the JEA Board of Directors after being appointed in April 2020. JEA CEO Jay Stowe shared his condolences on behalf of JEA’s employees.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the tragic and untimely death of Dr. Leon Haley Jr., JEA board member and CEO of UF Health. Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with Dr. Haley’s family, friends and colleagues at this terribly difficult time. We thank Dr. Haley for his untiring service to the community and the JEA Board of Directors.”
The City of Jacksonville released a statement Saturday evening on Facebook.
"Our City is so grateful for your service and commitment to our health and safety. Not just throughout this pandemic, but every day. Thank you Dr. Haley. We will miss you more than words can ever express."
The Jacksonville City Council President Sam Newby issued the statement below on Sunday.
"The sudden loss of Dr. Leon L. Haley, Jr., reminds us all, that tomorrow is not promised. Dr. Haley was a strong, brilliant and dedicated leader in our community. He will be sorely missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of his family members and loved ones. May God bless us all."