COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)– The son of famed Appalachian moonshiner Popcorn Sutton was killed in a motorcycle crash Friday evening in Cocke County, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol and family members.
THP’s preliminary report states that the crash happened around 6:20 p.m. Friday on East Highway 25/70 near the intersection with Highway 107.
Investigators say a 2005 Dodge Caravan was traveling westbound on East Highway 25/70 and stopped before attempting a left turn onto Highway 107. During the turn, the vehicle entered the path of an eastbound motorcycle and collided with it before coming to rest in the intersection.
The motorcycle rider, 31-year-old Solomon Sutton of North Carolina, was pronounced dead as a result of the crash. Troopers reported that Sutton was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
THP said the driver of the Dodge Caravan, a 23-year-old Tennessee resident, could face charges, but any decision is pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
News of Sutton’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends and members of the Appalachian community. On Saturday, Steve Tickle shared a tribute on Facebook on behalf of the Hillbilly Jam family, remembering Sutton as a beloved friend who carried on a connection to the legacy of his father, the late moonshiner and cultural icon Popcorn Sutton.
In the post, Tickle emphasized that while many knew Solomon as Popcorn Sutton’s son, those close to him remembered him for his own personality, friendships and contributions to the mountain culture celebrated at Hillbilly Jam events.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
