GBI: Rep. Powell’s death not considered suspicious at this time
Business, Featured, Featured Stories, News November 26, 2019
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga – Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) called to investigate the death of Georgia District 171 State Representative Jay Powell, 67, who passed away at Brasstown Valley Resort on Nov. 25, 2019.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) called the GBI to assist with the investigation into Powell’s death. GBI Special Agent Kim Williams told Fetch Your News that they will have more information after the autopsy, but at this time, there appears to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. TCSO asked for the GBI’s assistance due to the high profile nature of the case. “We have limited resources and only two investigators,” commented TCSO Captain Jim Couch, “The GBI has numerous investigations, and as he was a state official, we want to ensure that everything was done properly.
The Georgia legislator was at Brasstown Valley Resort for a GOP house leadership retreat. He served as the Chairman of the House Rules Committee.
Fetch Your News spoke with Brasstown Valley Resort General Manager Charles Burton, who corroborated Speaker Ralston’s statement that Powell collapsed late into the evening. Burton stated that he got the call around 1 a.m.
“They were just on the patio with a few guests talking,” explained Burton, “I think they are still uncertain as to what caused it. They are going to do a full medical examination.”
Burton also added that Towns County EMS/EMA Responders took Powell to Chatuge Regional Hospital, which is the protocol for the resort whenever a guest is found unconscious or in need of medical attention. The statement released by Speaker Ralston indicates that the representative passed immediately, however, this can’t be confirmed until the autopsy is completed.
Two TCSO deputies also responded to the call before turning the investigation over to the GBI.
Powell represented portions of Colquitt, Decatur, and Mitchell counties, near the Georgia/Florida border. He served on the Appropriations, Governmental Affairs, Judiciary, Judiciary Non-Civil, Rules, and Ways and Means committees. Previously, Powell chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, and in 2016, Georgia Trend magazine named him as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians.
He was elected to office in Jan. 2009 as a Republican and worked as an attorney when the legislation wasn’t in session. He was married to Deidra White-Powell. She and other family members have been notified.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
1 Comment
God bless him!
May we always remember his service in our area!