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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Samuel Smith suffered a fatal heart attack following a struggle with a drunk driving suspect.
When Deputy Smith and another deputy were making the arrest, Deputy Smith complained of being short of breath. As Deputy Smith and the other deputy began to drive back to the jail in separate patrol cars, Deputy Smith's vehicle left the roadway on Georgia 42 near Mathews Road. The other deputy turned around, called for assistance, and began life-saving efforts. Deputy Smith was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Deputy Smith had served with the Crawford County Sheriff's Department for 11 years and had previously served with the Roberta Police Department.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Smith gave the Crawford County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Crawford County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Samuel is one of 23 officers lost to cardiac events in GA, 2.5% of the 905 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2001, 1 officer in GA was lost to cardiac events, the 4th heaviest of 20 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 2.
In 2001, 7 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 78th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2001, 7 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 78th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Samuel was 53. Of the 23 lost to cardiac events in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 46.5 and 56; the middle age was 53. Samuel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Samuel was 53. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Samuel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Samuel was 53. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Samuel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
March holds 4.3% of these deaths in GA; August holds the most, 17.4%. Fridays: 21.7%.
March holds 7.6% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 15.8%.
March holds 7.6% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Crawford County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 2.5% of all 905 deaths in GA, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 26.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
His people
Crawford County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Samuel among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Crawford County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
