Columbia County Deputy Killed In Single Vehicle Wreck

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of a deputy who was killed in a late-night accident in Appling.

Deputy Jeremy Crookham of Lincolnton was behind the wheel of his jeep on Ray Owens Road late Wednesday night when he lost control for unknown reasons.

A police report says Crookham's vehicle left the road on the east shoulder, then headed north on the shoulder before crashing through a fence.

The vehicle then overturned and struck a tree.

Crookham was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:35 a.m. today.

Major Steve Morris said Crookham had been with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.