DETROIT – Former Detroit City Councilman Gilbert R. Hill has died.
He was 84.
Hill was hospitalized at DMC Sinai Grace and was listed in critical condition Feb. 20. He died at 4:51 p.m. from complications due to pneumonia.
He was the Detroit police homicide inspector and earned a national reputation
“He schooled a great number of people in homicide investigation,” Deputy Mayor Ike McKinnon said.
Hill was elected to the Detroit City Council in 1989 and he eventually served as president.
“He cared about the city and he wanted the city to succeed,” former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer said. “I’m delighted that he got to see it come back before we lost him.
Hill unsuccessfully ran against Kwame Kilpatrick for mayor in 2001.
He also was known for his role as Inspector Todd in the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies starring Eddie Murphy.
Public viewings will be held at Swanson Funeral Home on March 10 from noon to 8 p.m. and March 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral is scheduled for March 12 at St. Phillips Lutheran Church at noon.
Statements
Gill's family released the following statement:
"The family of Gilbert "Gil" Hill is deeply saddened to inform the public that Gil passed away today and joined the ancestors in the land of glory. As many of you know, Gil had been recently hospitalized and was on the road to recovery. We are relieved that his passing was peaceful and painless."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan issued the following statement:
"Gil Hill spent more than 40 years serving our city in the Detroit Police Department and as a member of the Detroit City Council. He never stopped believing in our city and dedicated his life to making our city a better place for all. Our condolences go out to his family."
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans released the following statement:
"As a rookie deputy I developed a professional relationship with Gil. Occasionally I would deliver information from the Wayne County Jail to him regarding homicide cases. Our friendship grew as I continued my career in law enforcement and he was always encouraging and supportive of my development. My thoughts and prayers are with Gil’s family during this difficult time."
Agustin Arbulu, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, issued the following statement:
“Gil Hill was an honest and good man who cared deeply for the city of Detroit, and spent most of his life working to improve it. In turn, the city of Detroit loved him. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.”