Forsyth County Deputy Kaleb Mitchell, 24, Dies in On-Duty Crash

Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell, 24, of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office died Saturday morning, March 7, in a crash while on duty, setting off a wave of tributes from law enforcement agencies and public safety departments stretching across North Carolina.

Mitchell, a graduate of Forsyth Technical Community College's Basic Law Enforcement Training program, was remembered across the Piedmont Triad for his commitment to public service. The specific circumstances of the crash have not been released by officials.

Gov. Josh Stein called Sheriff Kimbrough directly after learning of Mitchell's death and issued a public statement pledging the state's support. "Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe," Stein said. "I called Sheriff Kimbrough this morning and pledged whatever support he and his team may need. Please join me in keeping Deputy Mitchell's family in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing."

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol issued its own formal statement: "The North Carolina State Highway Patrol sends our condolences and prayers to the family of Deputy Kaleb Mitchell and the entire Forsyth County Sheriff's Office family who had the honor of working beside him. Our heartfelt sympathies are with you during this time of immense loss."

Forsyth Technical Community College, where Mitchell completed his basic law enforcement training, said its community was "deeply saddened" by his death and extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

The response extended well beyond Winston-Salem. The Mocksville Fire Department shared support for the sheriff's office, describing Mitchell as "one of their own." The Winston-Salem Police Department said its thoughts and prayers were with Mitchell's family and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. The Winston-Salem Fire Department honored his service, saying he died while "serving and protecting his community."

The Guilford County Sheriff's Office also offered condolences to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and Mitchell's family, joining the broader regional outpouring that reached law enforcement agencies and public safety departments statewide.

Details about the crash location, time, and any ongoing investigation had not been publicly released as of this report. Funeral and memorial arrangements for Mitchell have not yet been announced.