Richard Crowe, 68, was remembered as a longtime public servant after the fatal incident.
PICKENS, S.C. — A retired Pickens County emergency communications official died Tuesday night after the riding lawn mower he was operating went over a cliff near Belle Shoals Road, authorities said.
Richard Crowe, 68, of Pickens, was identified by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office after officers responded about 9:05 p.m. to a home near Belle Shoals Road and Amberwood Road. Officials said the mower went over a cliff estimated at 15 to 20 feet. No other vehicles were involved.
The Pickens County Coroner’s Office ordered an autopsy to help determine Crowe’s cause and manner of death. The coroner’s office and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident. Authorities have not released what led the mower to leave the edge, and no criminal allegations have been announced.
Crowe retired in 2024 as director of Pickens County E-911 after years in emergency communications. The sheriff’s office said Crowe served the county for more than two decades and was respected by deputies and communications workers. The office said he was known for a positive attitude and for responding when employees needed help.
The coroner’s office described Crowe as a well-known and loved member of the community. “He has always been known as a dear friend to many and a public servant at heart,” the office said. Family members also said Crowe was enjoying retirement and had been working on a greenhouse project.
Keith Gravley, Crowe’s son-in-law, said Crowe was the person others counted on when county communications systems needed attention. Megan Lowry, a friend and former co-worker, said Crowe would work through stormy nights to keep 911 lines running.
A celebration of life was scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Pickens County Administration Building. The investigation remained open Sunday as officials awaited autopsy findings.
Author note: Last updated June 28, 2026.