GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Tennessee Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help locating the driver of a semi-truck involved in a fatal crash on Interstate 81 in Greene County.
According to THP, troopers responded to the crash on Interstate 81 South near mile marker 18 shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday.
Investigators determined that a Nissan Murano driven by 74-year-old Lee Vaughn swerved into the lane of a bobtail day cab semi-truck and struck the truck’s left rear tire with the SUV’s right front tire.
The collision caused the Murano to lift from the roadway and overturn multiple times, according to the preliminary investigation.
Driver Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured
Troopers said Vaughn was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 73-year-old female passenger in the Murano suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment.
No information about her condition has been released.
Semi Driver Left Scene
According to THP, the driver of the semi-truck briefly pulled onto the shoulder following the crash before leaving the area.
Investigators said the truck driver fled before law enforcement arrived.
Witnesses were unable to provide identifying information about the truck, including a license plate number or registration details.
Search Underway
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said investigators are actively pursuing leads to locate both the truck and its driver.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the semi-truck involved is asked to contact:
- Trooper Robert Anderson, THP lead investigator in Greene County
- Sgt. Jonathan Scott, THP Criminal Investigations Division
- Trooper Michael Hall, THP Criminal Investigations Division
Tips can be submitted by calling **THP (847) or 423-348-6144.
The investigation remains ongoing.
