DEWEY BEACH, Del.- Dewey Beach Mayor T.J. Redefer has died, it was announced Tuesday.

Redefer has been mayor of Dewey Beach since 2017. Local politicians say Redefer passed away from complications related to pancreatic cancer.

A well known figure in the community, Redefer worked in real estate and was an early advocate of drone photography.

"The people of the Cape Region and the entire state of Delaware, lost a true public servant with the passing of T.J. Redefer. As mayor of Dewey Beach, T.J. didn’t just take the high road, he paved it for others to follow," state Sen. Ernie Lopez said Tuesday evening. "His decency, kindness and care, will be sorely missed by all of us who were fortunate to call him a friend. My deepest condolences to Bobbie, Leigh Ann, Jack and also to the large and lovely extended Redefer clan, during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with all of us."

Redefer is survived by a number of family members in the area.