UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) - Former Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry has died.
Curry died at his Upper Marlboro home. He was 63 and had lung cancer.
Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a statement Wednesday that Curry oversaw a "transformative" period for the county, with "explosive population and economic growth." He says Curry was "fearless" in advancing causes that helped Maryland's African-American community.
Curry, a Democrat, was elected in 1994 as the county's first African-American executive and served for eight years.
Former State's Attorney Glenn Ivey tells WTOP that Curry "helped create the image of Prince George's County as a place where economic development could really take off." He calls Curry a "towering figure" who had "a great knack for closing the deal" and says he retained his influence in the county.