After a long battle with illness, Assa died on Monday.

Assa stepped back from his mayoral duties three years ago due to health issues. Christiane Thommes succeeded him as Mayor of Wahl, a role she still fills today.

Assa was first elected to the Wahl municipal council in 1999. In 2005, he became second representative, before being elected Mayor in 2011.

The 45-year-old was married and had two children.