Deputy Sheriff Robert Earle Thompson

Robert Earle Thompson

Deputy Sheriff Robert Thompson and State Constable Hoss Wiggins were killed in a vehicle crash on Buncombe Road (modern-day Old Buncombe Road) three miles south of Travelers Rest.

They were assisting a special agent with the Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol Tax Unit, who had requested their assistance with seizing a vehicle that was illegally transporting alcohol. The driver of the vehicle had fled after crashing the vehicle when officers attempted to stop it. A mechanic was called to the scene to repair the vehicle before Deputy Thompson and Constable Wiggins began driving it back to Greenville.

As they entered a curve in the wet roadway the car struck a bump and crossed into the oncoming traffic. The vehicle collided with a truck and was demolished. Deputy Thompson died one hour later, and Constable Wiggins died the following night.

Deputy Thompson had served with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office for three years.