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BETHLEHEM -- Believed to be the youngest mayor ever elected in West Virginia when he took office in July 2022 at the age of 20, Aaron Snider announced on his Facebook page Tuesday afternoon that he would be resigning as mayor of Bethlehem effective Oct. 31.
"Due to health reasons and unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to give the Village the full attention this job requires," said Snider in the post. "This was not an easy decision, but one that I have come to as I feel it is best for my health and the future of the Village and its Residents."
Snider was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer developing in the lymphatic system, 13 months into his term. According to information from the Clevland Clinic, the disease typically affects two age groups, people ages 20 to 39, which has the second highest rate of diagnosis. The second group includes people ages 69 and older.
The disease most often affects the lymph nodes in the back of the neck or in the chest cavity, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The organization also indicates that healthcare providers have treatments that can eliminate Hodgkin lymphoma's signs and symptoms and that survival rates continue to improve.
In the post, Snider explained the Village of Bethlehem Solicitor was aware of his resignation, and they were now "working diligently to ensure the smoothest transition possible" for the Village and its employees.
Snider thanked the community for their support and understanding through this time, wishing there was "a different outcome to this situation."
Snider could not be reached for comment on his resignation on Tuesday.
Village of Bethlehem officials also could not be reached for comment on Tuesday regarding Snider's resignation or the process moving forward to fill the position.