HONOLULU -- Kauai Mayor Bryan Baptiste, 52, died Sunday afternoon of an apparent heart attack, county officials said.

Paramedics went to Baptiste's home in Wailua and took him to Wilcox Memorial Hospital, where he died.

"I talked to Gary Heu, the mayor's assistant, about 15 minutes ago. He told me the mayor had passed away and his family was at Wilcox," Sen. Gary Hooser said.

Baptiste had quadruple bypass heart surgery on June 13 at Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu. He was discharged from the hospital on Friday and returned to Kauai Saturday night, officials said.

"I spoke with the mayor at Queen's. He was in good spirits. I've known him many years, served on the council with him. It's a sad day. My prayers to his family. He was good man, hard worker with genuine concern for the community," Hooser said.

Heu is serving as mayor pro-tem. He contacted Kauai's elected officials and plans to meet with county officials Monday to determine what happens next. Officials must determine the next steps according to the county charter.

Baptiste leaves behind his wife Annette and four children: Brandon, Heather, Lauren and Preston.

Baptiste was serving his second term as mayor of the Garden Isle.

Hawaii mayors released statements after learning about Baptiste's death.

"I thought he was 'Mayor Aloha,' in that he exuded a unique local style of leadership. Bryan was quick to smile, put people at ease, and said just enough to get his point across, yet make people feel comfortable with a decision-making process. I'll miss him very much, as I know the people of Kauai will. We’ve lost an outstanding public servant," Hannemann's said in his statement.

"This is sad news. Mayor Baptiste will be truly missed. He had a pointed sense of humor that made everyone listen carefully to what he said. We had a wonderful relationship and I will really miss him. My heart goes out to his family as they deal with his unexpected passing. I respected his commitment to the people of Kauai, and his absence on the Hawaii Council of Mayors will be felt by many," Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said in a written statement.