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Capt. John Keough, a deputy with nearly 20 years on the job at the Sheriff's Office, was listed in fair condition after he underwent surgery to remove his left leg below the knee at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, according to his web page at CaringBridge.org, an online, nonprofit support group.
The 58-year-old Lady's Island resident was injured about 4 p.m. on Frontage Road near Point South in Jasper County when the 2008 Harley Davidson he was riding struck the back of a 1994 Kenworth log truck, according to Lance Cpl. Bob Beres, a Highway Patrol spokesman. Keough was riding with a group of friends when the collision occurred, he said.
The driver of the log truck, who was heading north on Frontage Road, was stopped at a stop sign when Keough struck the rear of the vehicle. While the truck's driver was not found to be at fault, the investigation is continuing, Beres said.
Keough, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken by helicopter to Savannah in critical condition, Beres said. He had serious injuries to his left leg, as well as broken ribs, lung injuries and blood loss, according to CaringBridge.com.
Fellow Sheriff's Office deputies and community members expressed a immediate support for Keough, and his wife Mary Ellen, who also works for Beaufort County, and their family.
"We're a big family," Sheriff P.J. Tanner said Wednesday. "On and off-duty, these guys spend a lot of time together. He's had some complications, and we're just taking it day by day."
Keough, who has worked for the Sheriff's Office since 1992, oversees all evidence that comes through the agency, Tanner said. He primarily works at the main branch of the Sheriff's Office in Beaufort, but often travels throughout the county and is well-known to many deputies and county employees, he said.
"We are all rooting for him," Tanner said. "Multiple members of the office have visited him at the hospital and we are keeping in constant contact with his family."
"Anything his family needs, we're here to assist them," the sheriff said.
By Wednesday night, more than 1,000 well-wishers had posted messages of support and prayers on Keough's web page.
The retired Marine is known for his discipline and hard-work, Tanner said.
"He is a well-liked and great man -- everybody knows him," he said. "He's a no-nonsense kind of guy, which is one of the reasons we chose him for his job. He's good at what he does and he takes his job very seriously."
Philip Foot, director of the Beaufort County Detention Center, has worked closely with the captain for more than 10 years and lives near him on Lady's Island.
"I've known John for some time and have always had a great working relationship with him," Foot said. "It's very tragic. I'm thankful he's alive and that he's going to pull through."
Foot, who also is a motorcycle enthusiast, said he often sees Keough ride past his house.
"I know he likes to ride. I like to ride too, although I'm more of a loner about it. I was in absolute shock when I heard about it," Foot said.
"We'll just hope, pray and give him support and do what we can to see him pull through."
