I-40 crash results in fatality

Posted 03-11-25.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning, March 11, 2025, Sevierville Police Department officers responded to a reported crash on I-40 east at exit 407. Officers found a Toyota Tacoma and a semi tractor trailer hauling rock on the right shoulder.

According to SPD crash reconstructionist Detective Kinsley Prevatt, the preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the semi had parked on the shoulder to rest when the Tacoma veered off the eastbound travel lanes and ran into the rear of the parked semi. The semi driver was uninjured.

The driver of the Tacoma, 28-year old Charles A. Cox of Knoxville, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Multiple eastbound lanes were closed until about 6:00 a.m. this morning as SPD crash reconstructionists worked at the scene. In addition to SPD officers, the Northview Fire Department, Sevier County Ambulance Service, TDOT, and Sevier County Medical Examiner responded to the scene.

The crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Cox's family.