By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Deputy Betty Jean Uriegas of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office died August 8 from pulmonary failure related to injuries sustained during an on-duty vehicle crash on August 17, 1994, representing a line-of-duty death 32 years after the incident.
- Uriegas was on patrol during Tropical Storm Beryl when she observed people on private property; as she turned her vehicle around to investigate, she heard gunshots and her vehicle hydroplaned off the road, striking a tree.
- The crash resulted in a broken neck and left Uriegas a C4 quadriplegic for the remainder of her life.
- Uriegas had served with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office for nine years at the time of the 1994 incident and carried the Olympic Torch at the 1996 Paralympic Games.
- She was 66 years old at the time of her death.
HALL COUNTY, GA. — Deputy Betty Jean Uriegas of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office died August 8 from pulmonary failure related to injuries she sustained during an on-duty vehicle crash in 1994, the Officer Down Memorial Page reported.
Uriegas was on patrol on August 17, 1994, during Tropical Storm Beryl when she observed a group of people on private property. As she turned her vehicle around to investigate the group, she heard gunshots.
During the turning maneuver, Uriegas’ vehicle hydroplaned off the roadway. The vehicle struck a tree, trapping Uriegas inside. Another officer responded to the location and assisted with extraction.
Uriegas was transported to a hospital with a broken neck. The crash injuries resulted in a C4 quadriplegic condition that persisted for 32 years.
At the time of the 1994 incident, Uriegas had served with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office for nine years. Following her injury, Uriegas carried the Olympic Torch at the 1996 Paralympic Games held in Atlanta, Georgia.
Uriegas died at 66 years of age from pulmonary complications related to her long-term injury condition.