Scott Hines, former Rancho Mirage mayor, dies

Scott Hines, former Rancho Mirage mayor, has died at the age of 45. News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 were told Hines took his own life Saturday.

Around 8:15 p.m., the Palm Springs Police Department arrived to East El Escudero in reference to an unresponsive man. Emergency crews found Hines dead.

Loved ones tell us he was suffering from bipolar disorder and was diagnosed with liver cancer. He served as mayor from 2012 to 2013.

Rancho Mirage City Manager Randal K. Bynder released the following statement Monday morning:

“It is with great sadness that the Rancho Mirage City Council and City staff learned of former Mayor Scott Hines’ passing. He served as a member of the Rancho Mirage City Council for four years beginning in 2010. He was the Mayor of Rancho Mirage from April 2012 through April 2013. Scott was a deeply caring person with an inherent sense of service to his nation as a United States Air Force officer as well as to his fellow man as a member of city government. He was deeply compassionate about people who were less fortunate: the homeless, the abused and children. He was a thoughtful person who was respectful to all he served. The City will long remember his many contributions to our residents. We will miss his sense of humor and strong character. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Loved ones and friends grieved on social media.

Congressman Raul Ruiz said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my friend…Scott will be missed and his legacy of service to our community will be remembered.”

Greg Lucas Rodriguez, one of Congressman Ruiz’s former staff members, posted on Facebook: “He was an amazing man and father. He will be deeply missed.”

Hines was the father of four kids.