Patrolman George Thompson was killed in a motorcycle accident in Anson County during an introductory ride . The Highway Patrol had been created the day before and the patrolmen and command staff were riding across the state for publicity to introduce the new agency to the citizens.
The collision was caused by a 14-year-old boy who was driving his father's vehicle despite the legal driving age of 16 years of age. The boy and his father were both convicted of manslaughter.
Patrolman Thompson had only been sworn in for two days at the time of the accident. He was survived by his parents.
