TENNESSEE — A passenger was killed and a teenage driver seriously injured after a crash during a police pursuit in East Tennessee early Sunday morning, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 2 a.m. on State Route 73 in Cocke County, according to a preliminary THP report.
Troopers said a 17-year-old was driving a Honda Pilot while fleeing from the Newport Police Department when the SUV lost control near 1492 Highway 73.
“As the Honda passed 1492 TN-73, it lost control and slid off the side of the roadway, striking a tree and coming to an uncontrolled final rest,” the report stated.
Authorities identified the passenger who died as 19-year-old James Waylon Gossett. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries, according to THP. The teenager’s identity was not released because of their age.
On Sunday evening, the Centerview Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post that Gossett was a member of the department.
“Thank you for your service and dedication to our department,” the post said. “Please keep his family, our department and his friends in your prayers for the upcoming days, weeks, months and years.”
Officials have not said why the vehicle was fleeing from Newport police. The investigation remains ongoing.
