Officer Sarah Beth Barnes, 32, of Cartersville, Georgia, died on January 30, 2020, in an off‑duty motor vehicle accident. The Georgia State Patrol reported that her vehicle crossed the median on Georgia Highway 6 near Dallas, Georgia, and collided head‑on with another car.
She was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained. Her passing marked a profound loss for the Cartersville Police Department, where she had served with distinction for two years.
Barnes was a U.S. Navy veteran, having joined the Naval Reserves in 2015 and serving until her discharge in 2019. Inspired by personal tragedy, she transitioned to law enforcement and previously worked with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. At Cartersville Primary and Elementary schools, she served as a school resource officer, reflecting her commitment to community safety and youth engagement.
Family was central to Barnes’s life. She was married to Steve Barnes, an employee of the Department of Corrections, and was the devoted mother of five children: Alexis, Grace, Hayleigh, Skylar, and Braden. She balanced demanding shifts with family priorities, often taking additional jobs to ensure her children’s well‑being. Her colorful personality and fun‑loving nature made her a beloved figure in both professional and personal circles.
Barnes’s path of service began as a teenage lifeguard, foreshadowing her lifelong dedication to helping others. Her blend of military discipline and compassionate enforcement defined her brief but impactful career.
Off duty, she cherished family outings and pursued hobbies such as writing, with aspirations of investigative journalism. These pursuits underscored her resilience and optimism, offering creative outlets amid the rigors of law enforcement.
Cartersville honored Barnes with visitation at Owen Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life at Sam Jones United Methodist Church on February 3, 2020. Memorial donations supported Tunnel to Towers, reflecting her legacy of service and sacrifice. She is remembered as a woman of courage, compassion, and devotion, whose impact continues to inspire the community she protected.