Death of Widespread Panic equipment manager ruled suicide

Widespread Panic’s longtime equipment manager’s death has been ruled a suicide, not homicide as a medical examiner initially thought, the Athens Banner-Herald is reporting.

Donald Garrie Vereen, 49, died from a knife wound to his chest. He was found inside his Athens home.

Chief State Medical Examiner Kris Sperry originally ruled the death a homicide – but called police Monday morning to say that the Feb. 16 death was a suicide, Athens-Clarke police Capt. Holeman told the Banner-Herald.

Athens-Clarke police uncovered additional evidence that made Sperry reconsider his preliminary finding, the Banner-Herald said.

Vereen was equipment manager for the popular Southern jam band for two decades.

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