Tragic Deaths in Meigs County: Deputy and Detainee Found Submerged in River
TL;DR
Tabitha Smith, a 35-year-old woman, tragically died after being trapped in the back seat of a police cruiser driven by Deputy Robert Leonard, which accidentally crashed into the Hiwassee River in Meigs County. Smith, known for her outgoing and loving nature, leaves behind a husband and two children. Friends remember her as a person with a "heart of gold" and hope she is remembered for more than the tragic circumstances of her passing. The crash is still under investigation, and no funeral arrangements have been announced for either Smith or Leonard.
- Tabitha Smith, woman killed in Meigs County crash, remembered by friends WVLT
- Tennessee Deputy Found Dead in River with Woman He Arrested Inside Submerged Patrol Car Yahoo Entertainment
- Forensics identifies woman who died with Meigs Co. deputy in crash while handcuffed WTVC
- Drowned female detainee identified after Meigs County patrol car went off boat ramp Local 3 News
- Bodies of deputy and woman he arrested found after patrol car goes into river; deputy's final text to wife was "water" CBS News
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