Condolences pour in after Jones County Sheriff Danny Heath passes away

TRENTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Several sheriffs in Eastern North Carolina are expressing their condolences after news Monday of the passing of Jones County Sheriff Danny Heath.

Heath has been the sheriff since 2010. Neuse News first reported Heath’s death and said the Jones County Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday was canceled after learning of Heath’s death.

There has not been any information released on the cause of death. Jones County officials held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to discuss Heath’s death.

On Tuesday, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on Heath’s death:

“It is with great sorrow that the Jones County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of Sheriff Danny Ray Heath. Sheriff Heath died peacefully while at his home with his wife, Cheryl, and children Cheridan and Dylan on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021.

“Sheriff Heath was a native of Jones County. Born Jan. 12, 1969, Sheriff Heath lived his life in the county he loved, except when he served in the United States Navy and became a combat veteran during the Gulf War in 1991.

“His legacy will be that he treated his deputies as family and that he led this family with strong convictions and a big heart. His legacy will live forever.

“On behalf of the Jones County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Heath’s family, we ask you respect our privacy as we grieve. No funeral arrangements are available at this time.”