Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

A blue 2004 Yamaha sport-type motorcycle, operated and solely ridden by John W. Williams, was southbound on North John B. Dennis Highway when it crashed into the driver’s side of a white 2018 Chevrolet Express work van, occupied by driver, David J. Helton, and passenger, Jeffery C. Wolfe.

Mr. Williams was killed in the crash. Neither Mr. Helton nor Mr. Wolfe sustained injuries.

When the collision occurred, the van was exiting a private parking lot and crossing southbound traffic in order to complete a left turn to northbound North John B. Dennis Highway. While the van did in fact pull into the path of the motorcycle, other contributing factors are believed to be involved.

Based upon multiple eyewitness statements and evidence recovered at the scene, investigators have reason to believe that excessive speed on the part of the motorcycle played a significant role in the crash.

The southbound lanes of North John B. Dennis Highway remained closed for three and a half hours to allow for a thorough and safe investigation and removal of the vehicles involved. The scene has since been cleared, and normal traffic patterns have resumed.

This crash remains under open and active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. As such, no further details are available for release at this time.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton