Local community activist dead by apparent suicide Wednesday night
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- Police are investigating activist James Nathan Smith's death as a death investigation; preliminary indicators suggest possible self-inflicted injury pending Medical Examiner's autopsy ruling.
- Community activist James Nathan Smith, 49, found dead from gunshot wound Wednesday evening; coroner ruled death a suicide with notes left at scene.
UPDATE at 5:00 P.M. on May 22, 2025| The Columbus Police Department has shared in a press release that Violent Crimes Unit Detectives are actively investigating the incident as a death investigation.
“While preliminary indicators suggest a possible self-inflicted injury, the Columbus Police Department will await the official ruling from the Medical Examiner’s Office following the completion of the autopsy,” police said. Investigators are following up on all leads and will make further determinations once all evidence has been processed and reviewed.
“As with all investigations, we remain committed to a thorough and unbiased review of the facts,” police added.
Original story: Grim news has emerged out of the city of Columbus after a local community activist died by suicide.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan confirmed 49-year-old James Nathan Smith was pronounced deceased from a gunshot wound to the abdomen area around 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at a residence on Old Post Court. Columbus police say the gunshot wound was to the chest area.
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan confirmed it was a death by suicide and that he left notes at the scene. Smith is being sent for an autopsy at Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Smith is a local community activist and outspoken critic on social media concerning community issues and local governments. Smith identifies himself on social media as J Nathan Smith Outspoken & Unblocked. His page can be seen here.
The investigation surrounding the suicide is ongoing by the Columbus Police Department.
If you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal ideations, please don’t hesitate to contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 9-8-8.
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