Georgia special agent’s death dogged by ‘baseless’ election rumors, state agency says

“A GBI agent passed away this week and there are online rumors that it was somehow connected to the election,” the GBI tweeted. “This baseless claim is irresponsible & reckless. It is hurtful to the agent’s family and co-workers. Please be mindful of the things you write, repeat, or share — especially when there is absolutely no truth in them.”

Lin Wood, an Atlanta-based attorney who has espoused a number of election-based conspiracies and tried to convince Georgia voters not to participate in the January runoff elections that will decide the control of the Senate, was among those who circulated rumors that O’Sullivan’s involvement in the Deal investigation and subsequent death were suspicious. The Trump team and its allies have repeatedly made allegations of widespread voter fraud in the state that have not borne out in court.

Wood tweeted claims that O’Sullivan had died by suicide and that his death and the crash that killed Deal were “connected” to a plot to “steal” the election from President Trump.

President-elect Joe Biden won the election by more than 7 million votes, notching 306 votes in the Electoral College, and won Georgia by a narrow 12,000-vote margin.

“Are you growing increasingly uncomfortable about the death of Harrison Deal & his relationship to @BrianKempGA or is it just me?” Wood tweeted.

O’Sullivan’s death remains under investigation. There are no reports that the death has been ruled a suicide. Deal’s death is being investigated by the Pooler Police Department, and the GBI has denied that any of its agents are investigating the incident.

“There is no GBI investigation,” the bureau tweeted. “No GBI agent or GBI regional investigative office is investigating. Our Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy as the ME’s Office routinely does.”