According to Morgan County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ben Riden, District 1 representative Donald B. Harris “collapsed” during Tuesday night’s meeting.
“It happened about two-thirds of the way through the meeting,” Riden said on Wednesday. “I didn’t see it occur, but it happened so fast. He just collapsed and was unresponsive.”
Harris’ head hit the desk, after which he was slumped over and unresponsive.
Several attended to Harris after the incident, including County Manager Adam Mestres and Morgan County Fire Chief Jeff Stone, Riden said.
“Both have medical training,” Riden added. “The ambulances were there in about five to eight minutes, and Mr. Harris was then taken to the Piedmont Regional Medical Center in Athens. We are praying he is alright.”
According to Riden, Harris had “regained consciousness” and was “responsive.”
“We are hoping for the best,” Riden said. “He has served on this board for a long time.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, there was no update on Harris’ status. The Lake Oconee News reached out to Mestres’ office, however, he was in a meeting at the time of the call.
“We are just happy to hear that he is responsive,” Riden said.
Harris, 74, is a Vietnam war veteran and a native of Morgan County. He obtained a B.S. in Education from Fort Valley State College and University and an M.S. in Physical Education and Biology from Georgia College and State University.
He was also an educator, having taught in the Morgan County School System for over 30 years. Harris was also a basketball coach for 25 years and served as an assistant football coach. He’s served on the Morgan BOC since 2008 in multiple capacities.
The Morgan County Citizen was the first to break the news.
Stayed tuned for updates on this developing story.