Scott O’Barr Death | Obituary – Franklin County coroner Scott O’Barr confirmed the deputy was killed while on duty on I-85, promising more details as they become available.
Georgia State Police says there were multiple vehicles traveling north and south on the interstate that hydroplaned. The car that hit the deputy was southbound on I-85.
According to GSP, 53-year-old Dep. William Garner had responded to another crash near mile marker 164 around 7 p.m. and started helping the people inside the crashed car. However, at that time, the driver of a 2018 Honda Accord traveling south on the interstate lost control, exiting the roadway into the median. The car hit the deputy, who was outside of his own patrol car.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says Garner was taken to St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia, where he died of his injuries. He had served with FCSO for just over a year, and leaves behind his wife, brother, and parents.
The Honda’s driver was identified as 21-year-old Abdulhafiz Tawfik Abdullahi. He has since been charged with 1st-degree homicide by vehicle, but other charges are pending.
According to a news release from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Garner had been with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for just over one year.
“He was 53 years old and leaves behind his wife, parents and a brother,” the news release stated.
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We express our sympathy and deepest condolences to O’Barr’s family today and in the days, weeks, months, and years that are to come as they cope with his passing. May his soul rest in peace.