Menifee: Mayor of Menifee, Neil Winter suffered a heart attack Saturday evening. According to public officials, emergency personel responded to his home to find him in full arrest and was unable to be revived. 

The City of Menifee issued the following brief statement: The city is mourning the news of the passing of beloved, and respected Honorable Mayor Neil Winter. Winter, 65, passed away late Saturday evening (May 19, 2018). Out of respect for the family, and as more details are released, the City will be issuing a full statement in the coming days.

We will have more information as it unfolds.

Economic Development Director of Menfee, Gina Gonzalez wrote, “There are no words to describe this loss to our community. This is the worst news ever. Neil was a true class act, a builder, mediator, jokester, happy, loving, warm hearted, taking care of business, no non sense, deal getter, Del taco loving, cool dude... kind of man. My heart weeps” 

Mayor of San Jacinto Chrystal Ruiz posted on social media that she offers hearts and prayers to Winter’s family and friends.

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez wrote, “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I must report the passing of Mayor Neil Winter of the City of Menifee. Cal Fire/RVCFD personnel responded to Mayor Winter's home and found him in full arrest. Prayers for his family during this time of tremendous loss.”

Wildomar City Councilman Ben Benoit also offered his condolences.

Winter ran for mayor of Menifee in 2016 against incumbent Scott Mann with 52.2 percent of the votes in a grassroots campaign. He held a degree in political science and a minor in history from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. He went on to work in business and education as well as serving in the Menifee Chamber of Commerce. He was a long-term resident of Menifee.