A page in political history is turning. On the evening of Saturday November 25, Gérard Collomb died. He was 76 years old. The sad news was announced by his wife Caroline Collomb to AFP, in a brief message. After more than a year fighting stomach cancer, the former mayor of Lyon (2001-2020) “passed away peacefully among his family“confided the one who shared her life for two decades.
The former Minister of the Interior under Emmanuel Macron announced his illness on September 16, 2022. Through his X account (then called Twitter), the politician soberly wrote: “Last Monday, I learned that I had stomach cancer.” And to continue, full of determination: “I will fight against the disease with the same energy that I put to the service of Lyon, of our Metropolis when I held the functions of mayor and president.”
Olympique Lyonnais presents its condolences to the family and loved ones of Gérard Collomb. His story will remain forever linked to that of our club that he always loved so much and it is with emotion that we will remember all these beautiful moments spent with him.
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) November 25, 2023
Rain of tributes
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have multiplied from all political sides. Starting with that of the presidential couple, who wanted to salute the memory of a “dear friend”and a “mayor who dedicated his exceptional talents of dialogue and imagination to building a city in his image”. The tenant of the Élysée also said of Gérard Collomb that he was a “statesman who embodied republican ascension and authority.
In the process, the current mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, shared a message on his X account: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of Gérard Collomb this evening. A transformative and humanist mayor, he will have forever marked the history of Lyon. My most moved thoughts to his family.” Closely followed by the poignant tribute from Olympique Lyonnais and the team’s coach, Jean-Michel Aulas: “Olympique Lyonnais presents its condolences to the family and loved ones of Gérard Collomb. His story will remain forever linked to that of our club that he always loved so much and it is with emotion that we will remember all these beautiful moments spent with him.“
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias.
Photo credits: Sandrine Thesillat / Panoramic / Bestimage