On November 21, 2023, 93-year-old Gayle Edwin Everett of Livingston, Texas, tragically ended his life. Born on October 5, 1930, in Robersonville, North Carolina, Everett had been residing in Livingston at the time of his passing.
The incident unfolded when Everett, driving a golf cart along US-146, contacted 911 to report his intentions to commit suicide due to overwhelming medical issues.
Emergency services were dispatched, and a 911 dispatcher engaged in conversation with Everett in an attempt to keep him on the line until law enforcement could arrive. Despite these efforts, upon the arrival of officers and detectives, Everett sat down on his golf cart and took his own life with a firearm.
Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons expressed gratitude to the Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers, 911 dispatchers, local EMS, and Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 D. Johnson for their assistance during this unfortunate incident. An autopsy was ordered by Judge Johnson to be performed by the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Everett is survived by his son, Tim Harmeson of Corrales, New Mexico; daughter, Sandy Hewitt of Branchville, Virginia; five grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Ruth Everett, along with two brothers and three sisters.
This tragic event underscores the profound challenges faced by individuals dealing with severe medical conditions and the importance of mental health support for the elderly.
