A deputy with the Oconee County Sheriff's Office is dead after officials said he was involved in a lawn mower accident at his home Friday.
The sheriff's office's Facebook page announced the death of Lt. Scott Underwood Saturday morning, saying he had "passed away unexpectedly" Friday afternoon.
Sheriff James Hale later spoke with the Athens Banner-Herald and confirmed that the 50-year-old officer died when his lawn mower overturned and pinned him in a creek at his home in the Farmington community just south of Watkinsville.
The post from the sheriff's office said Underwood had served with the office for 21 years. The full statement from the sheriff's office is below:
We are deeply saddened to report that Lt. Scott Underwood passed away unexpectedly late yesterday afternoon, May 19. Lt. Underwood was a native of Oconee County and faithfully served this community as a Deputy Sheriff for 21 years. He had genuine passion for his work in law enforcement and was beloved by all who had the privilege to work with him. Lt. Underwood was a devoted husband and father of two teenage sons.
Please keep his family and his Sheriff’s Office family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time as we grieve our tremendous loss and say goodbye to our friend and brother.
No arrangements have been made at this time.
