Beloved sheriff who was ‘always smiling’ dies in on-duty crash, Georgia reports say
A south Georgia community is mourning the loss of its sheriff who died in a crash.
Sheriff Robert Rodgers, 52, was killed Tuesday, Aug. 29, while responding to a service call in Wilcox County, the sheriff’s office announced on Wednesday.
The single-vehicle accident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Georgia Highway 233, according to Georgia State Patrol.
Troopers said Rodgers was driving when he lost control, veered off the road and struck a tree. The impact caused the vehicle to flip on its side.
Rodgers died at the scene, despite efforts by first responders, according to a preliminary report.
“He gave his life while protecting the citizens of Wilcox County, which is what he loved best,” Major Mitchell Thompson said in a statement posted on the sheriff’s department’s Facebook page.
The beloved lawman was first elected sheriff in 2016, WXIA reported.
News of Rodgers’ death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the state.
“Sheriff Rodgers was a good customer, always smiling and friendly,” the owners of Pancho’s at the Lake wrote on Facebook. “We send prayers to his wife Haley, his family, friends, and Wilcox Sheriff Department.”
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Troopers said the crash is under investigation.
Wilcox County is about 150 miles southeast of Atlanta.
This story was originally published August 30, 2023 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Beloved sheriff who was ‘always smiling’ dies in on-duty crash, Georgia reports say."