Ely Mayor Jon Hickman dies at age 63

ELY — Ely Mayor Jon Hickman has died after struggling for years with health problems. He was 63.

White Pine County Sheriff Dan Watts said Hickman was found dead at his home Tuesday afternoon by officers who received a call from a friend to check on his welfare.

The Ely Times reported that Hickman was a diabetic and in 2001 had a kidney and pancreas transplant. He took a medical leave in 2011 when a cancerous growth was found in his throat.

Longtime friend Phil Fickes said he and Hickman spent last weekend in Wendover and he seemed fine when they returned.

Hickman was first elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Ely is about 240 miles north of Las Vegas.

Gov. Brian Sandoval issued a statement expressing his condolences, saying Hickman had a deep love for Ely and its citizens.