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May 17, 2026

LaFayette Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Shinbone Valley Road In Menlo

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A LaFayette man was killed Saturday evening following a motorcycle crash on Shinbone Valley Road in Menlo, according to Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney.

Authorities said the Chattooga County E-911 Center notified the coroner’s office at approximately 6:18 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, regarding a fatal motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival at the scene, Coroner McElhaney pronounced 39-year-old James Cody Penland dead at the scene.

Preliminary information indicates Penland was the sole operator of a motorcycle that left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash was reportedly discovered and called in by a passer-by. Investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.

The Georgia State Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

Responding agencies included the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Atrium Floyd EMS, and the Menlo Fire Department.

January 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Coroner “Big Mac” McElhaney Urges Residents to Add Emergency Contacts to Georgia License Records

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Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy “Big Mac” McElhaney is reminding residents about a free, simple way to help first responders reach loved ones faster in an emergency: add emergency contact information to your Georgia driver’s license or ID record.

January 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Coroner Releases 2025 Statistics Report: 115 Death Investigations Conducted

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Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney has released the Coroner’s Office 2025 Statistic Report, outlining the number and types of death investigations handled during the year.

According to the report, the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office investigated 115 total cases in 2025. Of those, 84 were classified as natural deaths, while 20 were ruled accidental. The report also lists 5 suicides, 2 homicides, and 4 cases still listed as cause pending.

The report notes that these numbers reflect deaths investigated by the Coroner’s Office that were unexpected, unattended, or not from natural causes. It also states the totals do not include most hospice, nursing home, or inpatient hospital deaths.