THP investigates crash that killed Madison Co. deputy

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — A deadly motorcycle accident on Interstate 40 is under investigation, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. A Madison County sheriff’s deputy died in the crash, according to the department.

Deputy Matthew Doty

Flags flew at half staff Monday at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The department confirmed Matthew Doty, 39, a patrol deputy, died in a motorcycle crash on Sunday.

“It’s hard. It’s like a family and you know you’re losing a family member,” Madison County Sheriff John Mehr said.

Troopers said the accident happened around 10 p.m. Sunday at exit 87 along I-40. The sheriff’s office said Doty was off duty and headed home at the time.

“The driver ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a sign,” Lt. Brad Wilbanks with the THP said.

The THP said Doty was wearing a helmet and that the crash is still under investigation. As standard procedure, troopers said Doty’s blood will be tested. “Either driver error, operator error, conditions,” Wilbanks said. “You know it was a lot of dampness.”

Mehr said Doty started as a reserve deputy with the department in 2011 then became a full-time deputy in 2012. “He was dependable,” Mehr said. “I asked him to do something and he would get the job done.”

Mehr said Doty only had the motorcycle for about two weeks.

The department said he leaves behind a wife and young daughter.

This is the second Madison County sheriff’s deputy to die within the past six months. Investigators said Deputy Rosemary Vela died in September 2015 after she crashed while responding to a call.