Chad Wesley Pritchard

Deputy Sheriff Chad Pritchard died when he fell into a sinkhole just outside of Standing Stone State Park.

He, another deputy, and two state park rangers, were investigating a cold case homicide in the area of Rocky Mound Road when they came across the sinkhole. As Deputy Prichard attempted to get a closer look with his flashlight, the ground around the sinkhole gave way and he fell approximately 160-feet to the bottom.

Rescue personnel responded to the scene and recovered his body several hours later.

Deputy Pritchard had served as a deputy for only 2-1/2 months. He had previously served in the Overton County Jail and in the United States Army in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.