Alcohol possibly involved in two-vehicle accident that left Walland man dead
From Staff Reports
A 42-year-old Walland man died on the way to the hospital following an accident at 9:09 p.m. Thursday on Laws Chapel Road north of Wilkinson Pike in Maryville.
Terry C. Branton, McClanahan Lane, Walland, was driving a red 1996 Pontiac Grand Am south in the 3100 block of Laws Chapel Road at the crest of a small hill when he crossed over the center line and hit a black 2010 Dodge Journey driven by Susan J. Rutherford, 64, Hughes Loop Road, Maryville.
According to the police report, Brandon “had several open containers of beer in his vehicle and had a strong odor of alcohol on his person.”
Rural/Metro Ambulance Service was transporting Branton to Blount Memorial Hospital when he died, according to the report. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Rutherford was taken by personal vehicle to Blount Memorial Hospital.
Branton was not wearing a seat belt, but the airbags did deploy. Rutherford was wearing a seatbelt. The airbags in her vehicle deployed.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the accident.
Terry C. Branton, McClanahan Lane, Walland, was driving a red 1996 Pontiac Grand Am south in the 3100 block of Laws Chapel Road at the crest of a small hill when he crossed over the center line and hit a black 2010 Dodge Journey driven by Susan J. Rutherford, 64, Hughes Loop Road, Maryville.
According to the police report, Brandon “had several open containers of beer in his vehicle and had a strong odor of alcohol on his person.”
Rural/Metro Ambulance Service was transporting Branton to Blount Memorial Hospital when he died, according to the report. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Rutherford was taken by personal vehicle to Blount Memorial Hospital.
Branton was not wearing a seat belt, but the airbags did deploy. Rutherford was wearing a seatbelt. The airbags in her vehicle deployed.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the accident.
