KPD e-Press Release: Update – Crash Scene Photos of Most Recent Fatal Crash on Fort Henry Drive

Approximately 5:55 PM

2 Non-Life Threatening Injuries

4 Not Injured

See Narrative for Details

Driver Information

Jonesville, Virginia

Name Not Released

Driver Information

Kingsport, TN

Driver Information

Kingsport, TN

46 Years of Age

Same Address as Driver

Driver Information

Jonesborough, TN

Bell Ridge Road

Johnson City, TN

General Narrative

UPDATE: Crash scene photos are now included in this release.

UPDATE: The identity of the deceased driver has been released in the most recent fatal crash on Fort Henry Drive.

Melissa A. Lambert (41 years of age) of Kingsport was killed in the crash when her Chevrolet Malibu was struck in the driver’s side by a Jeep Cherokee that ran a red light.

On September 21, 2013 at approximately 5:55 PM the Kingsport Police Department was notified of a multiple vehicle crash with injuries on Fort Henry Drive at Thornton Drive.

The investigation revealed that a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by Jeremy Sturgill with a juvenile passenger, was northbound on Ft. Henry Drive in the inside lane and was approaching the intersection of Thornton Drive. A 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Melissa A. Lambert, was westbound on Thornton Drive, preparing to cross Ft. Henry Drive once the traffic signal changed from red to green.

The signal on Fort Henry Drive changed from green to red signaling traffic to stop.

Meanwhile, when the signal on Thornton Drive changed from to red to green, the Chevrolet entered the intersection.

The Jeep Cherokee failed to stop for the red signal, entered the intersection and struck the Chevrolet on the left side. After the impact, the Jeep Cherokee rotated counter-clockwise and came to rest across the northbound traffic lanes.

The Chevrolet rotated counter-clockwise and struck a 2010 Honda Accord that was southbound on Fort Henry Drive and temporarily stopped for the signal at Thornton Drive. The Honda was driven by Angela Hayes with passenger, Michael Hayes.

After this second impact the Chevrolet rolled backward in the southbound lanes of Fort Henry Drive and experienced a third impact when it struck a 2013 Jeep Patriot driven by George Williams with passenger, Eric Black, that was stopped behind the Honda.

Mr. Sturgill and the juvenile passenger from the Jeep Cherokee were transported to Holston Valley Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet, Ms. Lambert, was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center but ultimately died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The occupants of the Honda and the Jeep Patriot were not injured.

All seven occupants of all four vehicles involved were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The crash investigation is being conducted by the Kingsport Police Department Traffic Unit. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

For additional information, please contact:

Ptl. Thomas M. Patton

K.P.D. Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit

423-229-9433

ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov

K.P.D. Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit