Georgia Deputy Hit, Killed While Directing Traffic

OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. --

An Oconee County sheriff's deputy who was hit by a car while directing traffic has died.

Officials said Deputy David Gilstrap was directing traffic on Hog Mountain Road in front of Oconee Primary School just before 7:30 a.m. when he was hit by a vehicle driven by a 62-year-old woman Thursday.

Oconee County Coroner John Simpson said Gilstrap was pronounced dead at a hospital in Athens at 10:25 p.m. after being on life support.

Gilstrap and two other deputies were stationed at entrances to three schools along Hog Mountain Road, where the sheriff’s office directs traffic on weekdays.

"This is devasating to the men and women who worked with David and appreciated the work he did," said Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry.

Berry said colleagues gathered at the hospital throughout the day to support David and his wife, who also works for the sheriff's department as an administrative assistant.

"We're going to be sticking together even closer for the next few days," said Berry.

Berry said Deputy Gilstrap is a 16-year law enforcement veteran.

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating. No charges have been filed.

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