Paramedic dies and Sutton Man fighting for he’s life after crash on I-40 in Jefferson County, officials say

Tennessee’s Jefferson County (WVLT) – A collision in Jefferson County resulted in the death of one paramedic and the injuries of another.

The collision occurred on I-40 close to the I-81 interchange at approximately 9:30 p.m., according to Brad Phillips, the director of Jefferson County EMS.

The collision occurred on I-40 West, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and a tractor-trailer was also involved.

According to Phillips, the ambulance was struck by the commercial vehicle while it was responding to a report of an accident involving injuries in the vicinity.

A preliminary report by the Tennessee Highway Patrol provided additional details about the crash, saying the ambulance was traveling southbound on I-81 and the tractor-trailer was on I-40 West as it merged with I-81.

The ambulance, which had its emergency lights on, turned in front of the tractor-trailer as it tried to access I-40 East at a small crossover, resulting in the crash, according to THP.

Phillips said the ambulance had two Jefferson County paramedics on board, Jeremy Sutton and Sarah Brooks, both of whom were injured and taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Sutton had “severe injuries” and died shortly after arriving at the hospital, Phillips said. He added that Brooks was still in the hospital in stable condition.

The preliminary report said neither Sutton nor Brooks were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The driver of the commercial vehicle, a 67-year-old man from Georgia, was wearing a seatbelt and not injured, Phillips said.

THP is continuing to investigate the crash, and according to the preliminary report, possible charges against both drivers are pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

After the crash Saturday night, Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts and several other agencies released statements regarding Sutton’s death.

Jefferson County mourns the loss of Paramedic Jeremy Sutton who passed away last night as a result of an ambulance accident while on duty. Our prayers and sympathy are extended to his family and to all our public safety employees.

Also, remember Paramedic Sarah Brooks who was also injured in the accident. We pray for Sarah and her family.

Thank you to all the public safety agencies who assisted last evening.