Elbert County Coroner's Office

05/12/2026

“We have kids come in who have tested positive for fentanyl. And the kids swear, ‘I don’t do fentanyl. I only use THC v**es,’” said the head of a teen recovery center.

04/16/2026

Awareness for our community

A new synthetic opioid spreading across the Southeast may be stronger than fentanyl and harder to detect, experts warn.

04/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2026

Elbert County Coroner Identifies Remains Found in 2025

Elbert County Coroner Chuck Almond has announced the identification of human remains that were discovered on January 26, 2025, in Elbert County.

The remains have been positively identified as 76-year-old Fred Louis Dubose, who resided on Huntington Drive in Elberton. Mr. Dubose had been reported missing after walking away from his residence on September 9, 2024.

On January 26th, 2025 a home owner notified Elbert County E911 of possible human remains that was located on the property. At this time, Elbert County Sheriff Jamie Callaway, The Georgia Bureau of Investigations, and Elbert County Coroner's Office took control of the investigation.

Between September 2024 and January 2025, multiple extensive search efforts were conducted. These operations involved the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Elbert County Emergency Services, Georgia State Patrol Air Units, K9 search teams, Mr. Dubose’s family, private citizens, and numerous other assisting agencies and volunteers.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all agencies and individuals who dedicated their time and resources to this case. We also extend special thanks to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance in the identification of Mr. Dubose.

"This identification is the result for tireless work by our investigators and forensic partners" said Coroner Chuck Almond. "We are grateful to bring closure to the family of Fred Dubose and thank you to each and everyone that assisted in this incident."

We send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Fred Louis Dubose.

03/15/2026

**UPDATE 3/18/26 16:00**

The victim involved in this fire has been positively identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner as 22-year-old Kaitlyn Singleton of Hester Road in Elberton. The fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, the Elbert County Coroner’s Office, and the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kaitlin’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

————————————————————
Elbert County E911 received a call at 1:49 a.m. on March 15, 2026, reporting a structure fire at a residence on Hester Road.

According to Elbert County Coroner Chuck Almond, one deceased individual was located inside the residence after the fire was extinguished by the Elbert County Fire Department. The individual was pronounced deceased at 5:05 a.m. on March 15, 2026, by Coroner Almond. The identity of the individual has not yet been confirmed.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, Elbert County Fire Department, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, and the Elbert County Coroner’s Office.

The body will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Atlanta for autopsy and positive identification. Additional details will be released as they become available.

We would like to thank all agencies and personnel who responded, including Elbert County E911, Elbert County Fire Department, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Elbert County EMS, and the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigations Division, for their dedication and teamwork during this incident.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the victim. We ask the community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

03/11/2026

Prayers for family and public safety friends

🚨 Fatal Traffic Accident Investigation 🚨

On March 10, 2026, at approximately 11:28 PM, deputies with the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, along with Hart County EMS and Hart County Fire, responded to an alert from a mobile phone reporting a possible vehicle crash in the area of 4800 Reed Creek Hwy, Hartwell, GA.

Upon arrival, deputies located a single vehicle that had rolled multiple times. The driver of the vehicle had been ejected during the crash.

Emergency personnel immediately attempted life-saving measures; however, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim has been identified as Candice Allison Mize, age 45, of Hartwell, Georgia.

The Georgia State Patrol was contacted and responded to assist with the crash investigation. The Hart County Coroner’s Office also responded to assist with the investigation.

Please keep the family of Ms. Mize in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

-Sheriff Chris Carroll

02/09/2026

Elbert County Deputy Coroner Beth Seymour has identified an individual who died as a result of an industrial accident. The accident occurred on February 9th, 2026 at approximately 12:51 at a Bowman Hwy address in Elberton Ga.

According to Deputy Coroner Seymour, Mrs. Maria Manuela Molina Chavez 25, of a Tucker Georgia address was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident.

Members of EMS, Elbert County Fire Department, First Responders, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, and Elbert County Coroner’s Office responded to the incident.

The incident is being investigated by the Elbert County Sheriff's Office, Elbert County Coroner's Office and The Georgia Bureau of Investigations Medical Examiner's Office.

Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Maria Manuela Molina Chavez.

02/02/2026

Elbert County Coroner Chuck Almond has identified an individual who died as a result of a 1 vehicle motor vehicle accident. The accident occurred at approximately 09:02 on February 2nd, 2026 in the area of Willis Dr. and Calhoun Falls Highway in Elberton Ga.

According to Coroner Almond, Mr. Donald B Hawck 67, of an Elberton address was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Members of E911, EMS, Elbert County Fire Department, First Responders, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, GSP, GA DOT, and Elbert Coroner's Office responded.

The incident is being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Hawck.

01/14/2026

Elbert County Coroner Chuck Almond has identified an individual who died as a result of a farm accident involving a skid steer. The accident occurred at 16:24 on January 13th, 2026 at a Calhoun Falls address in Elberton.

According to Coroner Almond, a 72 year old male, George Elbert King of an Abingdon, Virginia address was treated and transported by Elbert County EMS and ultimately succumbed to his injuries today January 14th, 2026 at an area hospital.

Members of E911, Elbert County EMS, First Responders, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, and Elbert County Coroner's Office responded.

The incident is being investigated by Elbert County Coroner's Office and Elbert County Sheriff's Office.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. King.

01/07/2026

🚨 Fatal Vehicle Crash 🚨

This morning, at approximately 7:11 a.m., Franklin Co. Deputies and GSP Troopers from Post 52 responded to a 2 vehicle crash resulting in one fatality. The crash occurred on GA 17 in the area of Brogdon Circle. GSP is handling the investigation. All requests for additional details should be sent to the Georgia State Patrol. Our prayers go out to all involved and their families.

01/05/2026

To every family that Coroner Chuck Almond along with his deputy coroners, Spencer Strong, Alex Evans and Beth Seymour has had the privilege to serve this year, along with all of those who have celebrated the 2025 holidays without someone special. We would like for you to know that all of us here with The Elbert County Coroner’s Office are thinking of you in this new year to come.
We wish you all health, happiness, and peace in 2026. Take care of yourselves and each other.