Missing police chief found dead after he didn’t show up to speak at Georgia church
A 51-year-old missing southwest Georgia police chief was found dead after his car swerved off the road into bushes, police said.
Colquitt Police Chief Kenny Kirkland was reported missing after he failed to show up at a local church for a speaking event Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. Crews tracked his cellphone to Miller County where his body was found.
Colquitt City Manager Cory Thomas said “Kirkland died from natural causes, possibly a heart attack,” according to AP. An autopsy will be performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The city said Kirkland had worked in law enforcement for 30 years, with about 20 of them with Colquitt, according to WSB-TV.
He had been the city’s police chief since May 2020, the news outlet said.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Teresa Kirkland; their four children; three grandchildren; and his brother and his brother’s wife, according to Bryant Funeral Home.
His family described him as a “gentle giant,” the funeral home added. He volunteered for 10 years as a local band equipment manager and never missed a game. He was also ”an avid woodworker and master craftsman,’ according to the funeral home.
Kirkland’s funeral will be held on Monday, Aug. 30, according to a Bainbridge Public Safety Facebook post.
“Please join us in keeping the friends and family of Colquitt Police Chief Kenny Kirkland in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with their sudden loss,’ Bainbridge Public Safety said.
This story was originally published August 27, 2021 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Missing police chief found dead after he didn’t show up to speak at Georgia church."
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