Middle Georgia sheriff died of self-inflicted gunshot wound, GBI says

Sheriff Thomas Smith

Credit: Sandersville Police Department

Credit: Sandersville Police Department

Sheriff Thomas Smith

The weekend death of the Washington County sheriff has been ruled a suicide, according to the GBI.

Sheriff Thomas Smith was found dead at his brother’s home in Tennille on Saturday morning. The GBI was asked to investigate by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

An autopsy completed by the state agency Monday indicated Smith died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. An investigation is ongoing, and no other details have been released.

Several law enforcement agencies and sheriffs have posted their condolences on Facebook, including the Sandersville Police Department. Sandersville is the county seat of Washington County.

“You are and will always be greatly missed,” the police department said. “The Sandersville Police Department thanks you for your years of service and dedication to the Citizens of Sandersville and Washington County. There will forever be a void in our law enforcement family.”

Centerville police and the Baldwin CountyBibb CountyJackson County and Oconee County sheriff's offices also have also taken to social media to mourn Smith's death.

Gov. Brian Kemp also tweeted his support for the sheriff’s family, loved ones and community.

Smith is a Washington County native who graduated from Georgia Southern University and completed a master's degrees at Columbus State University, according to his biography on the county's website. He was also former president of the Georgia Sheriff's Academy.

During his time as sheriff, Smith also organized the county's first K-9 unit and a neighborhood watch program.

Anyone with information about Smith’s death is asked to contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988.

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