EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) - The Effingham County Board of Commissioners has acknowledged the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel on Tuesday morning.
Judge Yekel took his own life on the floor of a county courtroom and was discovered by a deputy Tuesday morning.
"The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Steve Yekel at the Effingham County Courthouse today and we offer condolences to his family and loved ones," the board said in an official statement.
The board also said that a crisis response team would be available for staff members at the Administrative complex starting at 3:00 p.m. today for counseling. The team will also be accessible on New Year's Day and Thursday, Jan. 2.
Read the full statement below:
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is currently leading an investigation into the events around Judge Yekel's death.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available at 988. Visit wsav.com/crisishotline for more resources available for free, 24/7.