CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia man who spent more than four decades in law enforcement agencies across west Georgia has died.
Jeffery Richards, 59, was killed on Sunday night when his 2020 Jeep Wrangler flipped on Hwy. 27 near Smyrna Church Rd. in Carroll County.
Georgia State Patrol says Richards was driving down the road when he crossed the raised concrete median and flipped. His Jeep was then hit by a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado.
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Richards was thrown from the Jeep and died on scene. The driver of Chevrolet got stuck and had to be taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.
Richards spent several years in the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, working his way up to the rank of Captain.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they navigate through this tragedy,” the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
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In 2023, he transitioned to the Heard County Sheriff’s Office as a criminal investigator.
“Jeff will be deeply missed by his coworkers at the Sheriff’s Office, and will be remembered for his hard work, laughter, and willingness to help others,” they wrote.
His brother is Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards.
“Join us in praying for Chief Richards and his sweet, sweet family in the untimely death of his brother, Jeff, who was also like family to many of us,” the police department wrote.
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