KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Investigators say a driver failed to yield the right of way before a crash on Clinton Highway that killed a motorcyclist and seriously injured a child passenger earlier this week.
According to a report from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened Tuesday evening in the 7200 block of Clinton Highway when a white SUV pulled into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
Authorities identified the SUV driver as James Ray Henning. Investigators say Henning was exiting a parking lot when he pulled onto Clinton Highway in front of a motorcycle operated by 34-year-old Wesley Justin Bell, who was traveling southbound.
The report states Bell was unable to avoid the SUV and crashed into its side.
Bell was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said a 9-year-old passenger riding on the motorcycle was thrown over the SUV after the collision. The child suffered serious injuries and was transported for medical treatment.
Henning was also injured in the crash.
According to the sheriff’s office report, witness statements indicate Bell was operating the motorcycle responsibly before the collision. Witnesses told investigators that Bell was traveling at a reasonable speed, properly signaling lane changes and was not driving recklessly.
The KCSO report specifically lists “failure to yield right of way” as Henning’s first action leading to the crash.
Investigators have not announced whether criminal charges will be filed. The crash remains under investigation.
The incident marks another fatal motorcycle crash on a busy stretch of Clinton Highway, a corridor that sees heavy daily traffic through northwest Knox County.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the condition of the injured child or any potential charges stemming from the investigation.
