Kingsport Police Department Press Release |
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Incident Information |
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| Type of Incident | Traffic Crash Fatality on Interstate 81 |
| Date & Time | August 7, 2013
Approximately 3:30 PM |
| Location of Incident | Interstate 81 at Mile Marker 62 |
| Injuries | 1 Fatal
1 Non-Life Threatening |
Driver Information |
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| Name | Frederick Walter Benton |
| Date of Birth/Age | 79 Years of Age |
| Race/Sex | White/Male |
| Address | Hamlin Road
Waldorf, Maryland |
| Injuries | Fatal |
| Vehicle Information | Mercury Grand Marquis |
Passenger Information |
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| Name | Janice S. Bailey |
| Date of Birth/Age | 70 Years of Age |
| Race/Sex | White/Female |
| Address | Guthrie Place
Las Cruces, New Mexico |
| Injuries | Non-Life Threatening |
General Narrative |
| One individual has died and another injured in a single vehicle crash on Interstate 81.
On August 7, 2013 at approximately 3:30 PM, the Kingsport Police Department was notified of a traffic crash with injuries on Interstate 81 near the 62 mile marker. The investigation revealed that a Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by Frederick W. Benton and also occupied by Janice S. Bailey, was southbound on Interstate 81 when Mr. Benton apparently lost control. The vehicle exited the roadway, entered the grass and earthen shoulder, and was traveling backwards when it struck a tree. Witnesses stopped to render aid until EMS arrived. Both Mr. Benton and Ms. Bailey were transported to the Holston Valley Medical Center Emergency Room. Mr. Benton was pronounced dead soon after arrival, and Ms. Bailey was admitted to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Neither drug nor alcohol use is suspected on the part of Mr. Benton. The initial indication is that a medical condition experienced by Mr. Benton may have contributed to the crash; however, the investigation is ongoing by both the K.P.D. Traffic Unit and Patrol Division. For additional information, please contact: Sgt. Joe Earles K.P.D. Traffic Unit 423-224-2750 JoeEarles@KingsportTN.gov or Ptl. Thomas M. Patton K.P.D. Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit 423-229-9433 ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov |
| Releasing Officer | Ptl. Brad Conkin |
| Supervisor | Sgt. Joe Earles |
