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SPALDING COUNTY - On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office that Deputy Joe Crumpton had been involved in a motor vehicle accident, was being transported to Fayette Piedmont Hospital, and was in cardiac arrest.

One of the witnesses to the event, who is employed by Fayette County Emergency Services, went to Deputy Crumpton’s vehicle and found him unconscious. Using a fire extinguisher, he broke out the driver’s side window, removed Crumpton from the unit, and discovered that Crumpton was in cardiac arrest. He and other first responders who arrived on scene continued CPR and used a portable defibrillator in an effort to restart his heart. He was transported to Fayette Piedmont Hospital, where the effort to save Deputy Crumpton’s life continued for more than an hour after his arrival. Sadly, the efforts were unsuccessful, and Deputy Crumpton passed away. His body was transported this morning to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

At the time of his passing, Deputy Crumpton was 62 years of age, married to Rose Crumpton, and they have seven adult children. He had been employed at the SCSO since May 2023 and was assigned to the Detention Division as a Transport Officer. Both he and his wife are U.S. Army veterans.

Sheriff Darrell Dix stated, “Witnesses that were interviewed at the scene of the accident by GSP and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office deputies said that based on what they saw, Deputy Crumpton appeared to have had some type of medical event before striking the other vehicle and leaving the roadway. There were no injuries reported in the second vehicle, and for clarification, there was no vehicle pursuit involved in this incident as has been reported.”

“Thank you to Sheriff Barry Babb and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Fayette County Fire-Rescue, and Fayette Piedmont emergency room doctors, nurses, and staff who made an incredible effort fighting to save Deputy Crumpton.”

We thank everyone for the continued prayers and support for the Crumpton’s and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. Dates and times for funeral services will be announced as soon as they become known.