Maryville, TN – A 16-year-old driver tragically lost their life in a crash near Hardin Valley Road in Knox County on Friday, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
The incident occurred when the teen, whose identity has not been released, was behind the wheel of a 2015 Acura traveling northbound on Ball Camp Byington Road. As the teen attempted to pass another vehicle, they lost control of the car at the intersection that leads to Hardin Valley Road. THP reports that the vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway and struck a traffic signal post before coming to a stop at the edge of the road.
Authorities noted that the teen was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which contributed to the severity of the injuries. The driver was the only person in the car, and despite efforts to assist, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash is under investigation, and THP has urged drivers to exercise caution on the roadways, especially when passing other vehicles.
