Betty Uriegas

Deputy Sheriff Betty Uriegas succumbed to injuries she received in a single-vehicle crash on August 17, 1994, around 2:15 a.m.

While on patrol on Georgia Highway 13 during a rainstorm from Tropical Storm Beryl, Deputy Uriegas observed a group of people on private property. After turning her patrol vehicle around to investigate, she heard gunfire and hydroplaned on the wet road, crashing into a tree. She was stranded in her vehicle until another officer came to her aid. The group had disappaited by the time responding officers arrived.

Deputy Uriegas was transported to the hospital with a broken neck and remained a C4 quadriplegic. On August 8, 2026, she suffered pulmonary failure related to her injuries.

Tropical Storm Beryl caused significant damage to Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, along the east coast, and throughout the Northeast, resulting in over $74 million in damages.

I’m saddened to learn of your tragic loss. I wish to thank you for your service to the people of Hall County. I will pray for your husband, daughter, son, mother, two sisters, nieces, nephews, and two grandchildren, as well as all of the rest of your friends, loved ones and colleagues. Rest in peace.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9:

Deputy Uriegas had served with the Hall County Sheriff's Office for nine years. In 1996, she carried the Olympic Torch at the Atlanta Paralympic Games. Survivors include her husband, daughter, son, her mother, two sisters, nieces, nephews, and two grandchildren.