Haywood Co. teen hospitalized after being hit by car

HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. — A teenager is hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle. Authorities confirmed the young man was out for a jog when the accident happened.

Landon Wilson, 18, was seriously injured after being hit by a car.

“He was transported via air to Regional One,” Sgt. Chris Richardson with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.

Wilson was out for a run Thursday night around 6:45 p.m. along Key Corner Road in Haywood County.

“It was in an area that was not lit. It was dark and there’s no street lights out there,” Sgt. Richardson said.

Investigators say the road is a common place for accidents. “It’s a bad road, that’s what I’ve been told,” Sgt. Richardson said. “So I’m sure there probably is curves and hills around that area.”

Officials say the accident happened close to the victim’s home. “About 100 yards from Mr. Wilson’s house,” Sgt. Richardson said.

Sources tell WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Wilson suffered severe injuries. The injuries include suspected broken legs and a broken arm. Officials say because it’s a rural area with no street lights pedestrians should remember to always make themselves visible.

“Light colored clothes and also something reflective would be very helpful. Especially if you’re going to be running at night and around areas that are dimly lit,” Sgt. Richardson said.

The driver was uninjured and will not face any charges.

Sgt. Richardson said it’s always a tough situation when someone is injured. “We hate what happened to the pedestrian. Anytime there’s anybody hurt or killed that’s definitely terrible.”

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News was told Landon Wilson is a student at Haywood High School and on the baseball team. We’ve reached out to the athletic director but they do not want to make a comment at this time.