3 killed in high-speed crash in Crockett County

UPDATE (9/11/23 2 p.m.): According to a preliminary report from the THP, the crash occurred at 10:34 a.m. at 19040 U.S. Highway 79. The wrecked claimed the lives of three Tennesseans, ages 21, 67 and 71. A fourth individual, the driver of a semi truck, was uninjured. According to the report, all individuals involved were wearing seatbelts. The report states:

Vehicle 1 was traveling southbound on US Highway 79. Vehicle 1 attempted to pass a commercial vehicle at a high rate of speed. Vehicle 1’s rear end impacted the commercial vehicle’s trailer. This caused Vehicle 1 to rotate clockwise. Vehicle 2 was traveling northbound on US Highway 79. As Vehicle 1 was traveling sideways down the road, it impacted Vehicle 2’s front end. Both vehicles came to an uncontrolled final rest on the east side of US Highway 79 facing a western direction. The commercial vehicle came to a controlled final rest on the southbound side of the road facing a southern direction.

GADSDEN, Tenn. — Authorities confirm three people are dead following a high-speed crash in Crockett County.

According to the Crockett County Sheriff’s Department, around 11:26 Monday morning, dispatchers were alerted to a crash that occurred on Highway 79 near Gadsden Elementary School.

The Sheriff’s Department says they, along with Gadsden Police, the Crockett County Rescue Squad, Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Crockett County Ambulance Service, and the Crockett County Medical Examiner’s Office, were all called to the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, upon arrival, it was determined that three vehicles were involved in the wreck. The Sheriff’s Department says resuscitation efforts were made, however the crash ultimately claimed three lives.

At this time, authorities have not confirmed the identities of those killed. An investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol is currently underway.

Sheriff Troy Klyce stated:

Sept. 11, 2001 was a sad day for our nation and Sept. 11, 2023 is a sad day for our county and we extend our sympathy to the families affected by this tragedy. We ask everyone to please remember these families and our emergency teams in your prayers.

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