One Person Dead after Shooting

Posted 08-01-21.

Just after 8:00 p.m. yesterday evening, Saturday, July 31, 2021, Sevierville, Tennessee Police Department officers responded to Soaky Mountain Waterpark, 175 Gists Creek Road in Sevierville on a report of shots fired.

 

Upon arrival, officers found two female shooting victims at the waterpark parking area. 24-year old Kelsy Cook from Loudon, TN was airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville by Lifestar Air Ambulance where she was pronounced dead later in the evening. 23-year old Angie Russell, also from Loudon, TN, was transported to LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville by the Sevier County Ambulance Service. Her injury appears to be non-life threatening.

SPD officers happened to be nearby on an unrelated call and were able to quickly respond to the waterpark. Witnesses informed officers that possible suspects were in a vehicle leaving the parking area. Officers were able to stop the vehicle and two persons in the vehicle were ultimately arrested. (Note: three persons were initially detained however only two have been arrested and charged.)

31-year old Sarah Romine from Knoxville, TN was arrested and charged with second degree murder and multiple counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. Police believe Ms. Romine shot both victims. 30-year old Joshua Dannels from Crossville, TN was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm while intoxicated. Both persons were transported to the Sevier County Jail for booking.

The preliminary investigation indicates an altercation occurred in the waterpark parking lot which escalated into the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

SPD thanks the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office for responding and providing assistance at the scene.