Jeremy Sutton Death: A tragic accident in Jefferson County on Saturday night resulted in the death of a paramedic and left another injured. The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Interstate 40, near the interchange with I-81, involving an ambulance and a tractor-trailer.
Details of the Crash
The victim has been identified as Jeremy Sutton, an EMS professional with Jefferson County. His colleague, Sarah Brooks, sustained injuries and was hospitalized following the collision. The ambulance was responding to an earlier crash with reported injuries when it was struck by the tractor-trailer.According to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the ambulance was traveling southbound on I-81 while the tractor-trailer was on I-40 West, merging onto I-81. As the ambulance attempted to turn onto I-40 East via a small crossover with its emergency lights activated, it collided with the tractor-trailer.
Emergency Response and Outcomes
Both paramedics, Jeremy Sutton and Sarah Brooks, were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center following the crash. Sutton sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. Brooks remains in stable condition.
Safety Measures and Investigation
The THP report indicates that neither Sutton nor Brooks were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 67-year-old man from Georgia, was wearing a seatbelt and was uninjured in the crash. The investigation into the accident is ongoing as authorities work to understand the full circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The impact of this crash is deeply felt by the community and by those who knew Jeremy Sutton and Sarah Brooks.
Community Impact and Reflections
The loss of Jeremy Sutton is a profound blow to the Jefferson County community and the broader EMS community. His dedication to serving others in critical moments of need will be remembered fondly by his colleagues and those he served. Sarah Brooks remains in the thoughts and prayers of many as she continues to recover from her injuries. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by first responders and the importance of safety measures while on duty. The community extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jeremy Sutton and supports Sarah Brooks in her recovery.