Following a deadly accident on Monday morning, officials in Sullivan County have charged a 21-year-old male with multiple offenses, such as driving under the influence and vehicular homicide. The tragic incident took place along Highway 421 at Shady Ford Road shortly before 4 a.m., as reported by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). Investigators indicated that moments prior to the crash, a passenger leaned out of the window of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox that was traveling northbound.
As per the preliminary account from THP, the vehicle swerved off the road and ended up in a ditch. Fatima Guadalupe Valenzuela-Flores, the 21-year-old passenger, was thrown from the vehicle during the collision and landed in the ditch. Emergency responders arrived swiftly after a 911 call; however, despite their efforts, Valenzuela-Flores was pronounced dead on the scene. Authorities observed that her injuries aligned with being thrown from the vehicle during the event.
The operator of the vehicle, identified by THP as Jacob Dylan Chambers, 21 years old, reportedly fled the accident scene immediately. According to investigators, Chambers was located and apprehended as he returned by the crash site, crossed a bridge over South Holston Lake, and halted in a parking lot by a nearby boat ramp. After his apprehension, Chambers was charged with endangering others recklessly, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, driving under the influence, and vehicular homicide.
Authorities noted that another passenger in the Equinox escaped without injuries. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash, focusing on whether Chambers's alleged intoxication and the actions of the passenger contributed to the tragic outcome.
To determine Chambers' blood alcohol level at the time of the accident, THP will conduct toxicology tests as part of their ongoing investigation.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol emphasized that this incident underscores the dangers of reckless and impaired driving. Officials reminded the community that operating a vehicle under the influence is a criminal act with potentially deadly consequences, urging drivers to make careful choices, especially when others are in their vehicle. "Every fatal accident we investigate serves as a reminder that one poor decision can devastate many lives," a representative from THP commented.
The passing of Valenzuela-Flores has left her friends and family heartbroken. Those close to her described her as a kind and vibrant young woman with a bright future ahead of her. The community is mourning her loss and hopes that justice can bring some level of comfort as the investigation proceeds. According to officials, the Tennessee Highway Patrol invites anyone with additional details about the incident to reach out to them.
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