Rabun County Sheriff’s Office mourning loss of Detention Center Officer

The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a detention center officer after a deadly two-vehicle collision on Highway 441 Wednesday night.  Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols gives details.  “We did lose a detention officer in a head-on collision, 26-year-old Courtney Zajdowicz.  She had worked with the sheriff’s office collectively for close to two years.  She had worked, then left, and then recently came back and I was excited to have her back.  Courtney was a joy to be around.  I liked her because she would tell you like it is and just be upfront and kind of blunt with you.  I always appreciated that about her.  We just ask for people’s thoughts and prayers for her coworkers at the detention center and the sheriff’s office but always for her family moving forward with the loss of a daughter.  I have a daughter myself and I couldn’t imagine what the family is going through, so definitely, if the community will raise them up, not only during this time right here at the passing and funeral time and all that but for the days and months and years moving forward as they try to fill that void that will probably never be filled.  So, I just thank the community for their support so far, the other sheriffs that have reached out too and I appreciate them.  Just like I said, remember her coworkers and her family.  I know the family would appreciate that.”  The Georgia State Patrol says that 41-year-old Jaime Avila-Reyes of Clayton was charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence (DUI).  He was transported to Mountain Lakes Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the wreck.