Richard Crowe, 68, was remembered by county officials as a longtime public servant.
PICKENS COUNTY, SC — A retired Pickens County emergency communications director died Tuesday evening after the lawn mower he was riding went over a cliff edge near Belle Shoals Road, county officials said.
Richard Crowe, 68, of Pickens, was identified by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office as the man killed in the incident. Officials said the mower went over an estimated 15 to 20 foot cliff and landed on Crowe. No other vehicles were involved. The coroner’s office and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
Officers were called about 9:05 p.m. Tuesday to a home in Pickens County after the crash was reported. The coroner’s office said Crowe had been on the lawn mower when it went over the edge. An autopsy was ordered to help determine the cause and manner of death. Officials had not released further findings as of Sunday. The coroner’s office described Crowe as “a well-known and loved individual in this community” and said he had been “a public servant at heart.”
Crowe retired in 2024 as director of Pickens County E-911 after years of work in the county’s emergency communications system. The sheriff’s office said he served Pickens County for more than two decades and worked closely with deputies and communications specialists. In a public tribute, the sheriff’s office said Crowe was respected for his positive outlook and his willingness to help county employees when needed. County officials said his work helped support the local emergency response network that residents rely on during calls for police, fire and medical help.
Family members and former colleagues said Crowe was known as someone who answered when others needed help. Keith Gravley, Crowe’s son-in-law, said Crowe helped run the county communications system and was often the person people turned to in a crisis. “He was always there, no matter what,” Gravley said. Megan Lowry, a friend and former colleague, said Crowe worked through storms and long nights to keep emergency lines operating. Friends said he had been enjoying retirement and was working on a greenhouse before his death.
The investigation remains focused on the circumstances of the mower crash. Officials have not said what caused the mower to go over the cliff edge. They also have not released additional details about the property, the terrain or whether weather, visibility or equipment issues were factors. The sheriff’s office and coroner’s office are handling the case, and the autopsy is expected to guide the final ruling on Crowe’s death.
A celebration of life for Crowe was planned for Saturday at the Pickens Administration Building, according to family information shared with local media. County agencies continued to describe Crowe as a steady presence in public safety work. The sheriff’s office said it had “the honor and privilege” of working alongside him during his career. The coroner’s office said he was known as a dear friend to many.
As of Sunday, officials had reported no other injuries and no other vehicles involved. The next public update is expected when investigators or the coroner’s office release the autopsy findings or final case determination.
Author note: Last updated June 28, 2026.