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Incident
Private First Class Mike Latu was killed in a single-vehicle crash while responding to a call for service at 1:05 a.m.
His vehicle left the roadway on U.S. 76 and struck a bridge pillar underneath U.S. 501 Bypass.
PFC Latu had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for five years and had previously served as a dispatcher.
In 2018 he was recognized as both Deputy of the Year and Patrolman of the Year.
He is survived by his parents, step-father, sister, and brother.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, step-father, sister, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Private First Class Latu gave the Marion County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mullins community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Private First Class Latu.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Marion County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Michael is one of 139 officers lost to accidents in SC, 31.4% of the 442 remembered there.
Michael is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2019, 1 officer in SC was lost to accidents, the 42nd heaviest of 71 years on record. The heaviest was 1986, with 6.
In 2019, 45 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 103rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2019, 46 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 110th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Michael was 34. Of the 120 lost to accidents in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 41; the middle age was 34. Michael had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Michael was 34. 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. Michael had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 34. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.6% of these deaths in SC; June holds the most, 13.7%. Tuesdays: 13.7%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Marion County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 442 deaths in SC, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Marion County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Marion County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
