Local Tragedy Raises Questions

Sunday afternoon, September 18, at 1:27 in the afternoon, a call came in to 911 dispatch involving a local man David Thurman. The man, who lived on Whitepath Road, was allegedly involved in an altercation at 325 Faircloth Trl, the location which also sent out a 911 call for medical services from Gilmer County.

The call’s source is currently unknown, as is the identity of the person, presumedly the same person, who put Thurman into their vehicle to rush him to the hospital or to meet the ambulance, which they did at the intersection of Maxwell Rd and Highway 515.

It is reported that the Gilmer Ambulance received Thurman alive, albeit in poor condition, and continued on to Fannin Regional Hospital. Unfortunately, some time later, Fannin Regional Hospital pronounced Thurman dead at their location.

The alleged altercation came between Thurman and Sanford Drive resident, Sam Butts. Though authorities are not releasing information on their investigation and the events that led to Thurman’s injuries, it is understood that the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigations) has since become involved. Authorities are also interviewing witnesses to the events. The information denial is standard with ongoing investigations such as this.

FYN has since learned that Sam Butts is currently being detained by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s office on charges of Probation Violation, however, the Sheriff’s Office states they are not currently holding him in relation to Thurman’s death.