City Administrator Carl E. Geffken says Settle collapsed at the gym and was transported to the hospital.
Settle was a Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Fort Smith for the past 11 years. He is survived by his wife Crystal and his daughter Grace Ann.
Geffken had this to say:
"We are shocked and saddened at the news that our friend and colleague John Settle has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly today. John has been our City Prosecuting Attorney for the past eleven years and has represented our City well and honorably. He was a trusted and valued advisor to me and to many of our City managers and leaders, always patiently explaining the law and legal matters, always careful when advising about possible remedies or courses of action."
City Director Kevin Settle said:
"He was a great person that was dedicated to his job. He was very well respected in the community and did an outstanding job as city prosecutor. He will be greatly missed."