FANNIN, Ga. — In a facebook post, the Fannin County Sheriff’s Administration announced the death of Corporal Richard Gazaway and his wife Heather Gazaway.

The announcement was posted Jan. 29 alongside a picture of the Gazaway couple and can be seen below.

“Corporal Richard Gazaway #327
End of Watch: January 28, 2022

It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our own, Corporal Richard Gazaway. He was involved in a tragic car accident last night January 28, 2022. His wife, Heather also succumbed to her injuries.

Corporal Gazaway began his career with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Officer in August of 2013. He quickly decided that he wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff and became a certified officer in December of 2015. Through hard work and determination he was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal on January 1, 2022.

Corporal Gazaway was an invaluable asset to our office. He was always willing to pick up an extra shift, whether in the jail or on patrol, back up another deputy, and was known for his dedication to his job. He was a devoted husband and father to his daughters Skylar and Riley.

We ask that you keep Corporal Gazaway’s children and family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult journey.”

In a subsequent post, The Sheriff’s Administration shared a picture of the escort the Gazaways received writing, “We appreciate all of the effort and cooperation it took to coordinate with every agency to allow a safe trip home. We would like to thank Fannin Fire and EMS, Blue Ridge Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia DNR, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Ellijay Police Department, Gilmer County Fire Department, Fannin Dispatch, our own deputies that traveled to Gainesville and all the other volunteers tonight that assisted in escorting Corporal Gazaway and his wife Heather home.”