200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

A 2004 Nissan 350Z, driven by Carl E. Smith, was northbound on South John B. Dennis Highway approaching traffic stopped at a red light at the upcoming intersection with South Wilcox Drive.

A 2015 Jeep Compass, driven by Jordan C. Britton, was southbound on South John B. Dennis Highway attempting a legal left turn on a green left turn arrow to the entrance ramp leading to eastbound Interstate 26.

The Nissan swerved to the right around stopped traffic onto the shoulder, ran the red light, entered the intersection, and struck the Jeep in a near head-on impact. The Nissan then careened off the Jeep, crossed a median, and struck a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, driven by Travis L. Estepp, that was stopped at a red light on the exit ramp from Interstate 26.

Mr. Estepp was not injured. Ms. Britton was possibly injured and was transported by Sullivan County E.M.S. to Holston Valley Medical Center for a precautionary evaluation. Mr. Smith was critically injured and was transported by Sullivan County E.M.S. to Holston Valley Medical Center for emergency treatment. Unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries after arrival and died at the hospital.

Both Mr. Estepp and Ms. Britton were properly restrained as required by law; however, Mr. Smith was not wearing his seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt can easily make the difference in a motorist being seriously injured or killed in a crash versus literally walking away from the crash with minor injuries or completely unscathed. The Kingsport Police Department encourages ALL occupants of ALL motor vehicles to wear their seatbelt ALL of the time. It is the law, but more importantly, it might just save a life.

As previously released:

On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. This motor vehicle collision resulted in severe traffic congestion at and around this intersection.

Traffic flow continued to be impaired for roughly four hours to allow for a thorough investigation of the crash and the safe removal of vehicles and debris; however, all lanes are now back open and normal traffic patterns have resumed. The crash itself is still under investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit.

As previously released:

On November 23, 2016 at approximately 6:45 AM, the Kingsport Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of John B. Dennis Highway and Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. This motor vehicle collision has resulted in severe traffic congestion at and around this intersection. Motorists in the immediate area are strongly urged to exercise caution and patience. All other motorists are asked to seek an alternate route and avoid the area all together if at all possible.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit