A former Richmond County sheriff's deputy who was found not guilty of child molestation less than three weeks ago was killed in a car accident Sunday morning.
Richmond County Deputy Coroner Johnny McDonald said Lindon Haworth Jr., 49, was driving north on Mike Padgett Highway when his car drifted into the left-hand lane and struck the side of another vehicle.
Mr. Haworth lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a deep ditch on the right side of the road, where the vehicle flipped onto the driver's side.
Mr. Haworth was partially ejected from the car and was pronounced dead of head injuries at the scene, Mr. McDonald said.
Mr. Haworth was fired from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office in June 2008 after he was accused of kissing a 14 year-old girl on the mouth in June 2007. He was acquitted June 12.
From the clothes Mr. Haworth was wearing, it appeared he was on his way to church when the accident occurred, Mr. McDonald said.
Mr. McDonald said that alcohol was not suspected but that blood samples have been sent off for toxicology tests and that it would be weeks before the results come back.
The driver of the other car also lost control of his vehicle and ran off the left side of the road and hit a fence.
He was taken to Medical College of Georgia to be treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
Mr. Haworth worked for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He was a decorated veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded a Purple Heart in 2004.
Reach Jonathan Overstreet at (706) 823-3708 or jonathan.overstreet@augustachronicle.com.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
This is tragic. May you find peaceful rest, in GOD's loving arms.
So tragic! Lindon was a good and loving man. A true friend to all that really knew him.
just like the "all mighty" Ronnie Strength. fire him just because he has been accused of something, whether he is guilty or not.. We can't have someone working on our "spot free" department. If you could only know what I know, you people that think that the great sheriff is almost perfect, you would see that he is far far from it. And No I am not an employee that was fired or just another disgruntled employee or ex-employee that was let go. I left for a better paying job but will always love law enforcement. God bless Mr. Haworth and his family.
You know: This was a good man, I have talked to several people that knew him personally and also professionally. There are people on the Sheriff's Dept that has done worst and are still doing bad things, some things are just overlooked.
The poor man died in an innocent auto crash--don't you think maybe he had a heart attack or who knows a brain aneurysm, it could have been anything but "NO" first thing they put in the article Former Deptuy and alcohol testing done--this is unreal. Let the man and his family have peace among them--How much did Ronnie Strenght hide when his son died of "oh no-- drugs." Get a grip Augusta.
May God have his mercy on this family and give them PEACE.
I was on the jury that found former deputy Haworth innocent of the charges and to watch that man break down and cry would make anybody realize that he was hurt deeply for no reason. The man almost lost his life defening our country and served as a deputy sheriff defending our life and homes, and now to even suspect that achohol was involved in a dishonor to this man. He was on his way to church where he has served faithfully and now he is with his heavenly father. GOD bless him and his family, they need to lean on JESUS to help them through the next few days.
Why wasn't he given his job back? He was acquitted of the charges, he should have been given his job back and the pay he missed after he was let go unjustly. Why is it that he was fired, when so many others are put on paid or unpaid leave until the investigation and trial is over?
I hope he can rest in peace now, God bless him and his family.
rascal, I understand your outrage with the alcohol testing - but if they didn't do the test it would be wrong. I believe it's standard procedure in any vehicle accident. And they do state that they do NOT believe it was a factor in the accident.
Rest in peace, Lindon.
What was the other vehicle doing in the left lane anyway? It is the passing lane isn't it? Or is it only in Georgia that the left lane is the slow lane and the right (blind side) is used only for passing? For those that care, to pass someone on the right in Europe is a huge fine because of the danger involved. Of course it is a huge fine to run out of gas and hinder traffic there also or be driving on bald tires, or playing your radio loud enough to wake the dead. I wonder when we will join the civilized world and have some laws that are enforced?
BTW it wouldn't surprise me if the poor guy fell asleap because he was probably working specials to make ends meet. Wouldn,t want to use the non-profit money to pay police a decent wage would we.
Finally got his just dessert!!!!!
420Time, karma is a very funny thing. You never know what anything means. But I know this: You are as sickening as you are stupid. We may not know who you are, but God in heaven sure does, and as it says, everything spoken in the darkness will be made known in the light, so get ready to be outed.
420@3:06-If you caint say something nice,then just dont say anything.You post like willie.I wasnt going to call you out on it .But what the hewl.This man and his family have been through alot.I heard his wife was killed many years back on hwy56.They told me the kids were in the van with her.And he raised them.They say he loved his family and church.Let him RIP,let his family grieve.
God bless Mr. Hawarth and his family. He had to go through so much before his passing. May in RIP.
May he RIP*
from what i see, he should have been hired back with back pay, hello?
I grew up with him, he was a really good person. Very kind, he would have never had done of what he was accused of...He will be missed. R.I.P., Linden...........
420Time has made some interesting comments concerning other matters. Click on his display name to see.
Lindon has been my friend, like a big brother for 30 years. He would do anything for anyone. He is a hero in my eyes and my heart is shattered that he is gone. I want to call him now and cry on his shoulders! He is my friend, my family, I will miss him so much! Rest In Peace My Dear Friend! You helped so many people. I Love You!
This is what happens when overzealous prosecutors and judges abuse the justice system. He should not have been fired until his trial was over. Bad move RCSD. It just goes to show you that some of those who enforce the law still don't believe one is innocent until proven guilty. Those who did this man wrong will have to explain it one day to the "Supreme Judge". When that happens the fires of hell will burn a little brighter that day.