Dillon County Sheriff Douglas Pernell unexpectedly passes away at home

DILLON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — UPDATE: Late Dillon County sheriff escorted home following autopsy

Sources tell ABC15 that Dillon County Sheriff Douglas Pernell died unexpectedly Monday night.

He served as sheriff since 2021 and worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years.

Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley said Pernell died at home. Grimsley said he talked with the Sheriff earlier Monday evening.

“He sounded like his normal self. We talked a good bit today,” said Grimsley. "An autopsy will be performed on Pernell‘s body to determine a specific cause of death."

Coroner Grimsley also said there was no sign of trauma.

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ABC15 just spoke with Sheriff Pernell last week, and he said he had high hopes of cracking down on crimes in nightclubs.

Sheriff Pernell said he was also excited about a roundup he had last week and expected to release the information to us this week.

Dozens of law enforcement officers from across Dillon County, as well as community members, gathered outside of Pernell‘s home after learning of his death. One woman said her heart hurts.

Several people said his wife of many years is beyond devastated and is receiving overwhelming support from family, friends and community members.

READ MORE: SC officials share condolences for unexpected loss of Dillon County sheriff

Pernell ran for sheriff three times before he was elected in November 2020.

He was sworn into office in January 2021 at the Dillon County Courthouse.

A crowd of people came out to witness the historic ceremony, as Pernell was the county's first African-American sheriff.

Some officers have placed black bands over their badges in memory of Pernell.

Many said he’ll be dearly missed in the community.