A top public relations executive at controversy-laden company Chick-fil-A died of a heart attack suddenly, in the middle of the company’s media clash over their position on gay marriage.

Donald A. Perry, the Vice President of Corporate Public Relations passed away this morning of a heart attack according to Ross Cathy, the owner of the Midland, Georgia Chick-fil-A and family member of company CEO, Dan Cathy, reports News 3.

Chick-fil-A Inc. released a statement regarding Perry’s sudden passing, in which they mention his status as a media spokesperson for the company, but avoid any discussion of Chick-fil-A’s stance on gay marriage, nor the media coverage of the controversy.

“We are saddened to report the news to you that our dear friend Don Perry, vice president of public relations, passed away suddenly this morning.

Don was a member of our Chick-fil-A family for nearly 29 years.  For many of you in the media, he was the spokesperson for Chick-fil-A.  He was a well-respected and well-liked media executive in the Atlanta and University of Georgia communities, and we will all miss him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Chick-fil-A has come under fire and intense media scrutiny lately over its stance against gay marriage. Perry’s job entailed speaking on behalf of the restaurant chain in an effort to smooth the controversy over with the public, reports TMZ. Perry promised to “leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena,” despite the company’s very vocal stance on the matter.

One thing is certain. Chick-fil-A lost a key PR player today, as they continue to weather the biggest PR problem they have ever faced.

The thoughts and prayers of the IQ team are also with Don Perry’s family. We are sorry for your loss.

Key Chick-fil-A PR Spokesman Dies Of Heart Attack is a post from: The Inquisitr