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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas was killed in a vehicle crash on I-85, near mile marker 163, while attempting to catch a traffic violator at approximately 9:00 pm.
A tractor-trailer traveling in the same direction attempted to change lanes, causing Deputy Thomas' vehicle to leave the highway, overturn, and strike several trees. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputy Thomas served with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and had served in law enforcement for seven years.
Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas was killed in a vehicle crash on I-85, near mile marker 163, while attempting to catch a traffic violator at approximately 9:00 pm.
Survivors
He was survived by his 8-month-old daughter, sister, mother, and father, who served as the sheriff of Franklin County.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Thomas gave the Franklin County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carnesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Steven is one of 264 officers lost to accidents in GA, 29.2% of the 905 remembered there.
Steven is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Steven is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2014, 2 officers in GA were lost to accidents, the 45th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1968, with 8.
In 2014, 48 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 99th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2014, 51 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 103rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Steven was 26. Of the 251 lost to accidents in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47; the middle age was 36. Steven had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Steven was 26. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Steven had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Steven was 26. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Steven had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10.2% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 12.5%. Wednesdays: 16.7%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Franklin County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 905 deaths in GA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Steven 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 Franklin County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
