Prev
Incident
Sheriff Dan Ayers was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting the Georgia State Patrol at the scene of a traffic accident on U.S. 29 about four miles south of Royston. He was directing traffic around the crash when a vehicle crossed the center line and struck him, throwing him 25 feet in the air. When he landed, he was struck again by the vehicle. The driver who struck him was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to one year in prison. Sheriff Ayers had served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for four years. His wife was appointed as sheriff for the remaining six weeks of his term.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqgtjr623jdj3x6bv33k- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Dan. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Ayers gave the Franklin County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carnesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Ayers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Dan is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Dan is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dan is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1964, 5 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1964, 75 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1964, 76 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 99th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Dan was 41. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Dan had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dan was 41. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Dan had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dan was 41. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Dan had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 20.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Franklin County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Dan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
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.
