CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) — Authorities are investigating a deadly two-vehicle collision in Clarksville that claimed the life of 90-year-old William Knight and sent two passengers to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Clarksville Police Department (CPD), the crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Memorial Drive near Rushton Lane. Investigators say Knight, a longtime Clarksville resident, was driving when another vehicle crossed into his lane and struck his car.
Emergency crews arrived quickly, but Knight was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. His two female passengers, whose names have not been released, were critically injured. Both were airlifted to a Nashville hospital for treatment. CPD reported that one passenger remains in critical but stable condition, while the other is listed in stable condition.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) responded to assist CPD’s Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) with the investigation. Early findings indicate that the other vehicle involved in the crash veered across the center line for reasons still under review. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether speed, impairment, or distraction played a role.
A significant stretch of Memorial Drive was temporarily closed as first responders worked at the scene and investigators documented evidence. The road has since reopened, but police say the case remains active and more details will be released as they become available.
The Clarksville Police Department issued a public request for assistance:
“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact FACT Investigator Castillo at (931) 648-0656, ext. 5150.”
Friends and neighbors have expressed shock over the loss of Knight, describing him as a kindhearted man who was deeply devoted to his family. Community members have also voiced concerns about traffic safety along Memorial Drive, which has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years.
Authorities are expected to review crash reconstruction data, witness statements, and possible surveillance footage from nearby businesses to determine the full sequence of events leading to the collision.
This incident marks yet another serious crash in Montgomery County, adding urgency to ongoing discussions about road safety improvements in the area.
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