Authorities: Georgia sheriff died of self-inflicted gunshot

Sheriff Thomas H. Smith (Courtesy: Washington County Sheriff's Office website)

Authorities say a longtime Georgia sheriff died after shooting himself over the weekend.

Washington County Sheriff Thomas H. Smith was found dead at home Saturday. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a news release Monday that preliminary autopsy results show Smith died from a self-inflicted gunshot. The agency released no further details.

Smith served as sheriff for 22 years in Washington County, located in central Georgia about 120 miles southwest of Atlanta. He was a former president of the Georgia Sheriff's Association, which he led in 2004 and 2005.

Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted Saturday: "I hope you will join us in praying for Sheriff Thomas Smith's family, loved ones, and community."