Former Richmond County Sheriff’s Deputy Found Dead in South Carolina; No Foul Play Suspected
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities in South Carolina have confirmed the identity of a man found dead Tuesday night along the banks of the Congaree River in Columbia as 38-year-old Addison L. Brown, a former Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputy who was terminated and arrested earlier this year.
According to the Columbia Police Department, Brown’s body was discovered by a passerby shortly after 8:00 p.m. in a wooded area near the popular Congaree Riverwalk, a scenic trail that runs along the river. Emergency services responded to the scene, and Brown was pronounced dead at the location.
Initial findings from investigators do not indicate foul play, and authorities say there were no visible signs of trauma on Brown’s body. An autopsy will be conducted by the Richland County Coroner’s Office to determine the official cause and manner of death, but as of now, police are treating the case as a non-criminal investigation.
From Law Enforcement to Legal Trouble
Brown’s death comes just months after a dramatic fall from grace. A former deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, Brown was fired in early 2025 following a series of internal misconduct allegations and an arrest related to his actions while serving in uniform.
Details surrounding his termination were not made fully public at the time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, but sources familiar with the matter indicated that Brown had faced accusations of misconduct involving abuse of authority, which led to criminal charges and disciplinary action from the department.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office had confirmed his employment history and termination earlier this year, releasing a brief statement at the time:
“Deputy Addison Brown is no longer employed with our agency. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.”
It remains unclear whether Brown had been facing any pending legal proceedings at the time of his death.
Discovery on the Riverbank
Authorities say Brown was found with personal belongings intact, and no signs of a struggle were apparent at the scene. His vehicle was located nearby, parked in a public area often used by visitors accessing the riverwalk and fishing areas.
Investigators are continuing to work with local officials in both South Carolina and Georgia to piece together Brown’s final days, including whether he had recently moved to South Carolina or was simply visiting the area.
Community Reactions and Lingering Questions
News of Brown’s death has sparked mixed reactions in both Columbia and Augusta, where he had served as a law enforcement officer for several years. While some expressed shock and sadness, others pointed to his recent legal troubles and the complex legacy he leaves behind.
“It’s a tragic ending, regardless of the circumstances,” said a former colleague who asked not to be identified. “Law enforcement is a tough profession, and when someone stumbles, it affects everyone. Our hearts go out to his family.”
Others in the community expressed concern about mental health resources available to former law enforcement officers — especially those who leave the profession under difficult circumstances.
“We often forget that officers are people too,” said Angela Morris, a Columbia-based advocate for first responder mental health. “Losing your badge, your career, and your public standing can be devastating. We need more support systems in place for those going through these transitions.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Columbia Police Department has stated that while foul play is not suspected, they are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to Brown’s death. Toxicology results and the final autopsy report will provide further clarity in the coming weeks.
No additional details have been released regarding Brown’s personal life, mental health history, or any potential note or communication found at the scene.
Remembering Addison L. Brown
Despite the controversies that marked the end of his law enforcement career, Brown had once been regarded as a committed public servant. He joined the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in the early 2010s and served in various patrol and community roles.
Those who knew him earlier in his career describe him as dedicated, driven, and deeply invested in serving the public — qualities that seemed to fade in the wake of his later challenges.
“We may never know what led to this,” said one former supervisor. “But at the end of the day, he was someone’s son, someone’s friend. And now, he’s gone.”
Final Arrangements and Family Privacy
As of Thursday evening, funeral arrangements for Addison Brown have not been made public. Family members are requesting privacy during this difficult time.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Brown’s whereabouts or behavior in the days prior to his death to contact the Columbia Police Department.
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