Robert “Prince Mongo” Hodges, a longtime Memphis political candidate and eccentric local figure, died after a fall at his East Memphis home, police said.
Memphis police responded to an ambulance call in the 1100 block of Crestwood Drive at about 7:40 pm Monday, Aug. 10. Hodges was transported to the hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead. Police said there were no signs of foul play.
James Cella, identified by WREG as a close friend, said Hodges had been cutting a tree branch hanging onto his property when he apparently lost his balance and fell into a neighbor’s yard.
Cella said Hodges remained conscious initially but stopped breathing before CPR was performed.
Authorities identified Hodges as 89, although Action News 5 reported a family friend gave his age as 79, and The Commercial Appeal noted conflicting public records. As Prince Mongo, Hodges famously claimed to be 333 years old.
Hodges first entered the Memphis mayoral race in 1978 and continued running through 2019.
His strongest showing came in the 1991 election, when he finished third with roughly 2,900 votes in a race ultimately decided by 142 votes between Willie Herenton and incumbent Dick Hackett.
Herenton later credited Hodges with helping his historic campaign and expressed condolences to Hodges’ family.
A Distinctive Memphis Persona
Hodges built his public identity around his claim that he came from Zambodia. He was frequently seen barefoot and dressed in wigs, goggles, unusual clothing and other distinctive accessories.
His ventures included Prince Mongo’s Planet on Front Street and Ashlar Hall, the historic Midtown mansion he purchased in 1993 for $300,000 and later used as an event space.
Marie Pizano, a Memphis arts and culture advocate who worked with Hodges in recent years, remembered him as a uniquely charismatic figure whose presence left an impression on many people across the city.
Hodges’ campaigns often featured unconventional ideas and slogans, including “Christmas Everyday.”
Advertisements from the early 1990s also promoted proposals ranging from optional taxes and free health care for elderly residents to severe criminal penalties.
His unusual public persona made him a memorable fixture of Memphis political and cultural life for decades.
