The Spalding County community is mourning the loss of Deputy Joe Crumpton, who tragically lost his life following a traffic incident on Tuesday, December 9. Around 5:15 p.m., the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office alerted Spalding County authorities that Deputy Crumpton had been involved in a crash and required immediate medical attention.
A witness, employed by Fayette County Emergency Services, responded to the scene and discovered Deputy Crumpton unconscious in his vehicle. Acting swiftly, the witness used a fire extinguisher to break the driver’s side window and carefully removed him from the car. Deputy Crumpton was found to be in cardiac arrest at that time.
First responders on scene immediately began performing CPR and used a portable defibrillator in an attempt to restore his heartbeat. He was transported to Fayette Piedmont Hospital, where medical staff continued life-saving efforts for over an hour. Despite their best efforts, Deputy Crumpton could not be revived.
This morning, his body was transported to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Deputy Crumpton, 62, was married to Rose Crumpton, and together they raised seven adult children. He joined the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office in May 2023 and served in the Detention Division as a Transport Officer. Both Deputy Crumpton and his wife are proud U.S. Army veterans.
Sheriff Darrell Dix shared, “Interviews with witnesses conducted by the Georgia State Patrol and Fayette County deputies indicate that Deputy Crumpton may have experienced a medical issue before the vehicle left the roadway and collided with another car.”
Funeral arrangements and service dates will be shared publicly as soon as they are finalized. The Spalding County community remembers Deputy Crumpton for his dedication, service, and commitment to the safety of others.






