Maryville, TN — A 24-year-old man from Venezuela has been arrested and faces several charges after causing a deadly crash that killed three people in East Ridge, Tennessee, on Sunday night.
The crash occurred inside the East Ridge tunnels, where the vehicle driven by Yerson Ysaac Sanchez Rivera left the right side of the roadway, struck a concrete wall, and collided with the tunnel’s railing. Authorities say the vehicle was speeding before it lost control.
A registered nurse, who was a witness to the crash, attempted to help the victims but quickly confirmed that all three had no pulse. According to the police report, the victims were later identified as Kimberlyn Lopez Gallard, 29, Edguar Medina, believed to be between 20 and 25 years old, and Alexandra Vera, 24.
Sanchez Rivera, who was later identified as the driver, initially attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, officers quickly apprehended him a short distance from the crash site. The nurse at the scene positively identified him as the driver, stating she had seen the vehicle speeding just before it crashed.
Upon questioning by police, Sanchez Rivera admitted to consuming a 12-pack of beer before getting behind the wheel. Authorities are investigating the crash, and charges against him are expected to include vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, among others.
The fatal crash has left the community shaken, as local residents and law enforcement officials express concern over the dangers of impaired driving. “This is a heartbreaking situation,” said one East Ridge police officer. “Not only did the driver make a reckless decision that led to the loss of three lives, but he also fled the scene, showing a complete disregard for the victims and their families.”
Family members of the victims have not yet commented publicly, but the news of the crash has sparked an outpouring of support from the local community.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and Sanchez Rivera is currently being held in custody pending further legal proceedings.
