Note: This story was last updated at 1:10 p.m.
A 42-year-old man, the son of a former state representative, died in a head-on crash on Dutch Valley Road in Anderson County on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Michael J. Hackworth, 42, was traveling south on Dutch Valley Road in a 2002 Honda Accord when a 2004 Ford Escape driven north by George E. Ross, 70, crossed the center line, hitting Hackworth’s vehicle head-on, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.
Hackworth was killed, and Ross was injured, the THP said. Hackworth is the son of former Tennessee Representative Jim Hackworth, a Democrat who is a former Anderson County commissioner and former candidate for Anderson County mayor.
“We’re all pretty devastated by the news,” said Catherine Denenberg, Anderson County Democratic Party chair. “It’s a tragedy…Our deepest sympathies go out to Jim and Brenda (Hackworth) and their family at this sudden loss. Please keep them in your prayers.”
Hackworth and Ross were wearing seat belts, according to the THP.
The two-vehicle crash was reported at about 3:40 p.m. Thursday near Shanlever Road.
Dutch Valley Road was closed for 5.5 hours while THP investigated.
The THP called its Critical Incident Response Team to the scene. The report said the investigation is still ongoing into whether citations or criminal charges might be issued.
Drug and alcohol tests have been requested for both drivers, which is routine in fatal crashes.
The crash was investigated by THP Trooper Isaiah Lloyd.
In addition to the THP, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department responded, and so did Anderson County EMS, Anderson County Rescue Squad, and Medford Volunteer Fire Department.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Copyright 2016 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leave a Reply