In Re Jones

Opinion

*********** Based upon information contained in I.C. File LH-0323 and upon an investigation made by the Investigations Section of the Industrial Commission, the Full Commission makes the following:

FINDINGS OF FACT 1. Decedent, Jeffrey Dean Jones, was a Deputy Sheriff with the Pender County Sheriff's Department at the time of his death on 23 November 2002.

2. Decedent's death occurred in the course and scope of his employment when he was fatally injured in an automobile accident while on the way to answering a domestic call. Decedent was driving a police cruiser with the emergency lights on when he lost control of his vehicle attempting to avoid pedestrians standing in the roadway.

3. At the time of his death, decedent was not married and had no dependent children or dependent parents.

*********** Based upon the foregoing findings of fact, the Full Commission concludes as follows:

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. Decedent was an eligible employee of the Pender County Sheriff's Department as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-166.2(d), at the time of his death on 23 November 2002.

2. Decedent's death was the direct result of injuries incurred while performing his official duties, as defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. §143-166.2.

3. Decedent is not survived by a spouse, dependent children or dependent parents; therefore the award of death benefits is properly paid to decedent's estate pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-166.3.

*********** Based upon the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, the Full Commission enters the following:

AWARD 1. The sum of $25,000.00 is hereby awarded to the estate of Jeffrey Dean Jones. This sum shall be paid from funds appropriated by the State Treasurer for the purpose set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-166.1 etseq.

A copy of this Award shall be furnished the Office of the State Treasurer for the purpose of having compliance with this Award, and the Commission shall be advised of the date or dates of payments made.

No costs are assessed before the Commission.

This the ___ day of March, 2003.

S/___________________ BERNADINE S. BALLANCE COMMISSIONER

CONCURRING:

S/_____________ THOMAS J. BOLCH COMMISSIONER

S/_______________ CHRISTOPHER SCOTT COMMISSIONER