Nashville businessman Darrell Freeman died on Monday after contracting a “serious illness,” his family said in a statement. He was 57. 

“Our beloved father and husband contracted a serious illness and eventually passed away on the night of June 28, 2022,” the family said.

“As we navigate this uncharted territory and difficult times, we ask for your sympathy. Prayer and privacy,” the statement added.

The cause of death was not announced. 

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Freeman has held positions as trustee for Middle Tennessee State University and chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.

Earlier this month, Freeman, who was inducted into the Nashville Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame, and Fisk University announced a partnership to open a new incubator and innovation centre.

Zycron, the computer employment firm that Freeman launched, was sold in 2017 for $20 million.

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Following his death, several people took to social media to offer condolences. 

“Darrell Freeman, Sr. was the ONLY Black person on the current MTSU Board of Trustees. The only one to speak up on disparities amongst the Black population and implement strategies to raise Black (especially male) graduation rates,” one person wrote. 

“Our team is saddened to learn of the passing of Darrell S. Freeman, Sr. last night. Darrell was a valuable Community Advisor to our group & his impact on the city of Nashville will be felt for generations to come. We send our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” another person tweeted.

Another Twitter user wrote, “Man losing Darrell Freeman Sr. so tough. He gave me my first internship into tech and was an important part of why I’m into tech now. Legit put me in a position to elevate my career. Forever grateful for those months at Zycron Inc.”