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Photo Submitted. Deputy Everett was in his department vehicle, and I do not have a photo of that vehicle.
Photo of Deputy Everett courtesy of the Spalding County Sheriff's Office.
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - On July 7, 2020, Spalding County K-9 Deputy Sheriff Matthew Everett was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash while on his way home. Deputy Everett was not at fault in the accident and the entire crash was captured on his in-car camera. [Note from the Editor: You can read details from yesterday's wreck below this article.]
In the video, a pickup truck can be seen hydroplaning on the wet roadway, spinning out of control, and crossing into Deputy Everett’s lane of travel. Deputy Everett did all he could do to avoid the crash and his actions possibly saved his life and the life of the other driver. He is currently at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta where he is being treated.
Sheriff Darrell Dix, “What we know as of now is that he has suffered a break in his C-2 vertebrae, has a broken leg, and a gash on his head that required more than 30 stitches to close. There is no paralysis and surgeons are weighing options for treatment of the spinal break.”
Due to Covid-19, no one is allowed to see or visit him, not even his wife and family. “She was transported to Grady by SCSO Lt. Michael Storey yesterday morning and when they arrived to see Deputy Everett they were informed that they would have to leave. His wife cannot even wait in a waiting room.”
The driver of the pickup John Desnoyer of Thomaston was treated for minor injuries. He was cited for driving too fast for conditions and failure to maintain lane. Matthew’s K-9 Gracie, who was in the patrol vehicle, was not injured.
Deputy Everett’s injuries, even though severe, were lessened by the attention and help he received from the citizens who saw the crash, stopped, and began rendering aid to him. “On the video you cannot see their faces, but you can hear their voices. We as an agency, and his family, owe a debt of gratitude to them, Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas and the first responders of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Fire, Georgia State Patrol, and Grady EMS who responded, treated, and secured Deputy Everett for transport.”
We are asking the community to please keep Matthew, his wife Kristy, and their family in your prayers as he recovers, and they work through the healing process.”
“I spoke to Matthew’s wife Kristy this morning and she said that he is in a lot of pain and doctors are having a difficult time getting it under control. She wanted me to pass on to everyone that they are thankful for the prayers and support from our community. She said that she did not know they had so many friends and people who cared and supported them. She asked for continued prayers for Matthew and their family.”
According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, “Matthew is a strong guy and he has a strong family, agency, and community supporting him. We know it’s going to take time, but we all look forward to his full recovery and return to work.”
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - A wreck occurred around 6:49 a.m. this morning on Hwy 19/State Route 3 just south of Buchanan Road across from Mt. Gilead Church. A red Ford Explorer struck a Spalding County Deputy vehicle resulting in both drivers being taken for treatment.
A 2004 Ford Explorer driven by 57 year old John Desnoyer of Thomaston was driving north on Hwy 19. A 2018 Ford Explorer from Spalding County Sheriff’s Office driven by 40 year old Matthew Everett was driving south on Hwy 19.
According the accident report from the Georgia State Patrol, the 2004 Ford Explorer lost control, began to rotate, crossed into the southbound lanes, and the front driver’s side of the vehicle was struck by the front passenger side of the Spalding County Explorer in the left southbound lane of Hwy 19.
After impact, the 2004 Explorer rolled onto its driver’s side and came to a final rest of the west shoulder of the road. After impact, the Spalding County Explorer traveled across the southbound lanes, onto the east shoulder of the road, and struck a culvert.
The driver of the 2004 Explorer stated that he was traveling between 60 and 65 miles per hour when he hit a puddle that caused him to lose control of his vehicle. The Spalding County Deputy did not remember anything from the wreck, but the dash camera from his Explorer showed the 2004 Explorer losing control and the initial impact of the wreck.
Mr. Desnoyer was transported by Grady Ambulance to Spalding Regional Hospital. Deputy Everett was transported by Grady Ambulance to Grady Hospital with visible injuries.
Mr. Desnoyer was cited for failure to maintain lane. The accident report states that he was driving too fast for conditions.
ADDED 7.8.20: A citation was also given for driving too fast for conditions.
Thank you to readers who send photos and info to Pike County Times, and thank you to the Georgia State Patrol for responding to my request for information so quickly!