Longtime Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputy, detective dies unexpectedly

Detective Eddie Sledge

Longtime Hamilton County Sheriff's Office employee Eddie Sledge died unexpectedly Saturday night.

Sledge was a 22-year veteran of the sheriff's office. He previously served as a patrol deputy and member of the traffic division. He was a detective in the criminal investigation division at the time of his death.

"Detective Sledge was a dedicated and respected law enforcement professional regarded by all who had the pleasure of knowing or serving with him," according to a release from sheriff's office public relation manager Matt Lea.

The nature of his death has not been revealed. The funeral arrangements are being conducted by Turner Funeral Home.