A Coweta County fire battalion chief was tragically killed Sunday evening in Chambers County, Alabama, while trying to help a driver who had struck a deer.
James Bartholomew “Bart” Cauthen, 54, served as a Battalion Chief with Coweta County Fire Rescue and was known for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to service.
According to WSB-TV, the incident occurred on County Road 267 near U.S. 431. Deputies in Chambers County initially responded to reports of a driver hitting a deer but discovered a far more tragic scene: three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds, including Cauthen, the driver, and a third individual later identified as William Randall Franklin.
Investigators determined that Cauthen and the driver, unable to get cell service, were walking toward Franklin’s driveway to seek assistance. Deputies say Franklin began shooting at the pair as they approached. At some point during the altercation, Franklin was also shot, though it remains unclear who fired the shot.
Cauthen was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, while Franklin was taken to Piedmont Medical Center in Columbus. Once released, Franklin will face charges of murder in connection with Cauthen’s death.
In a statement shared by WSB-TV, Coweta County Fire Rescue expressed their heartbreak:
“Tonight, Coweta Fire Rescue is devastated to hear of the loss of Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen. We lost one of our brothers, leaders, mentor, and family to a senseless tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cauthen family as they go through this difficult time. We ask that you keep this family in your hearts and prayers.”
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as one of the most shocking incidents they have encountered. “Our first deputy on the scene thought he was pulling up on a simple deer wreck. Instead, he found three individuals with gunshot wounds. Nothing could’ve prepared him for that,” the office said in a statement shared on their Facebook page.
Cauthen’s death has left a deep void in the Coweta County community, where he served with distinction for many years.
