David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

A black 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 full-size pickup, pulling a utility trailer, was eastbound on West Stone Drive, in the center turn lane, preparing to make a left turn onto Teasel Drive. The pickup was driven and solely occupied by Christian J. Gibson (18 year old male of Church Hill).

Meanwhile, a blue 2006 Suzuki K6R sport motorcycle, operated and solely ridden by Tristan K. McConnell (24 year old male of Kingsport) was westbound on West Stone Drive approaching the same intersection. As the pickup attempted the left turn across the westbound lanes, the motorcycle crashed into it.

Mr. Gibson was not injured; however, Mr. McConnell was killed in the crash. Multiple independent witnesses reported seeing Mr. McConnell travelling at an excessive rate of speed with the front wheel of his motorcycle completely off of the pavement just prior to the collision.

This crash remains under open and active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. As such, further information neither can nor will be released at this time.

As previously released:

On May 12, 2020 at approximately 11:20 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a motor vehicle collision in the 400 block of West Stone Drive in Kingsport. Due to the serious nature of the incident, Crash Reconstructionists with the K.P.D. Traffic Unit have been called to the scene.

Their investigation is just now beginning; therefore, no further details are available for release at this time. Additional information will be shared as it develops, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation. Due to the late hour, an update will likely not be available until sometime the following day at the earliest.

In the meantime, motorists are asked to plan ahead and seek an alternate route, so as to avoid any unnecessary hazards, congestion, or delays. Anyone already in the immediate area is asked to exercise caution, be patient, and obey all traffic instructions for the safety of everyone involved.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton