The accidental death of an east-Georgia sheriff's deputy triggered a new chance at life for a fellow deputy who received one of his co-worker's kidneys. Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength said Friday that deputy David James was recovering from transplant surgery. James, whose own transplanted kidney had been faltering, was given a kidney from deputy Eric Sikes, who died Wednesday from injuries he sustained in a car accident.
Strength said he got a call around 4 a.m. Friday telling him the operation was done late Thursday night and into the morning. He said the transplant went well and that James was in recovery.
"That's all we know right now," he said.
Sikes, 24, a two-year road patrol deputy, was fatally injured in a car accident Tuesday morning in Hephzibah. He ran off the road and became pinned between two trees while on his way to work, authorities said. His family offered his kidney to James.
Sheriff's Sgt. Taryl Elim said she was in contact with James' wife, Kellie, all day Thursday and that the James family was optimistic.
"It's a very bittersweet situation, but there's nothing we can do for Deputy Sikes at this time," Sgt. Elim said. "Maybe he can live through David."
James has had medical problems, including kidney trouble, for nearly 17 years since he was shot five times while attempting to make an arrest.
His left eye and kidneys were damaged. His mother donated a kidney to him, but that kidney has been failing and he has been on dialysis since Christmas. His family has been searching for a donor for months.
Strength said he is saddened by the loss of deputy Sikes, but commended the family.
"It's a terrible tragedy," he said. "It's such a great thing what this family did to help another officer ... It's something none of us ever want to see _ especially one of our fellow officers killed or injured. Our condolences and prayers go out to the Sikes family."
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Information from: The Augusta Chronicle, http://www.augustachronicle.com
