Retired Officer Fatally Hit By Vehicle While Volunteering At Cumming Parade

CUMMING, GA — A retired law-enforcement officer and volunteer has died after being hit by a vehicle while helping with traffic control during Cumming's Christmas parade Saturday night, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said Sunday.

Cumming Police said Robert Muth was directing traffic around 7:15 p.m. when he was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Castleberry and Buford Dam roads.

Emergency personnel immediately responded to the scene and found Muth suffering from "significant trauma," police said.

He died of his injuries on Sunday morning while surrounded by family members at North Fulton Hospital, the sheriff's office said.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time. We remain committed to a thorough investigation of the incident and to supporting the community as we mourn this loss," police said in a news release.

The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said. Charges will be filed, police said but did not specify which charges. The driver was not identified.

"Traffic accidents are sudden and devastating events that leave lasting impacts on families and communities. This tragic loss is a solemn reminder of how fragile life can be, and of the importance of continued care and responsibility on our roadways. The City of Cumming Police Department is dedicated to ensuring safety on our roadways for all. Our hearts are with the family of Mr. Muth, the medical staff, and the emergency personnel who responded to this incident. This is a very tragic time for all, especially the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office as Mr. Muth was one of their own," police said in the release.

Before lending his time to the local sheriff's office, Muth was a police sergeant with the Boca Raton (Florida) Police Department.

Authorities said after serving 21 years in law enforcement, he retired and became a Bluecoat security officer for the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. At that time, he worked in the Judicial Operations Division from January 2022 until April 2024.

Afterward, he volunteered for the sheriff office's Citizens Helping in Policing Unit, Criminal Investigations Division and "by faithfully supporting agency operations through the interoffice communications needs," authorities said in a news release.

"His dedication, professionalism and willingness to serve wherever needed exemplified the very best of our volunteer program. Please keep Mr. Muth, his family, friends and our 150 plus FCSO volunteer and C.E.R.T. (Citizens Emergency Response Team) members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Mr. Muth’s legacy of service and dedication to this agency and our community will not be forgotten," authorities said in the release.

The 8th Annual Cumming Christmas Parade started at 5 p.m. Saturday and traveled from Forsyth Central High School to the Cumming Fairgrounds on Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road.

"The City of Cumming extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Muth, as well as to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, following this tragic loss," Cumming city officials said in a statement.