Spalding County Deputy Dies After Medical Emergency Leads to Crash

SPALDING COUNTY, GA – The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Deputy Joe Crumpton, 62, who passed away on December 9, 2025, following a motor vehicle accident believed to have been caused by a sudden medical event.

According to the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office notified them that Deputy Crumpton had been involved in a crash and was being transported to Fayette Piedmont Hospital in cardiac arrest. Witnesses on the scene, including an employee of Fayette County Emergency Services, acted quickly to rescue Crumpton. Using a fire extinguisher, a witness broke out the driver’s side window and removed Crumpton from his vehicle. First responders performed CPR and used a portable defibrillator before transporting him to the hospital.

Despite over an hour of intensive medical efforts at the hospital, Deputy Crumpton could not be revived. His body has been sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Deputy Crumpton had served with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office since May 2023, working in the Detention Division as a Transport Officer. He and his wife, Rose, are both U.S. Army veterans, and the couple has seven adult children.

Sheriff Darrell Dix said, “Witnesses at the scene reported that Deputy Crumpton appeared to have a medical event before striking the other vehicle and leaving the roadway. There were no injuries reported in the other vehicle, and there was no vehicle pursuit involved.”

The Sheriff’s Office extended gratitude to all first responders, hospital staff, and law enforcement agencies who worked to save Deputy Crumpton’s life. Funeral arrangements will be announced once finalized.

Deputy Crumpton is remembered as a dedicated officer and veteran whose service touched both his community and family.