Harrogate, TN (February 23, 2025) – A collision in Claiborne County on Friday afternoon, February 21, left two people dead and another injured.

Authorities responded to the scene at the intersection of Cumberland Gap Parkway and Patterson Road around 1:45 p.m. According to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a Ford F-250 was heading south when it crossed the center median and crashed into two northbound vehicles, a Honda CRV and a Dodge Ram 1500.

Both drivers of the northbound vehicles, identified as 20-year-old Eliza Dakota Leight and 45-year-old David Michael Lewis, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The driver of the Ford F-250, a 57-year-old man, sustained injuries and was taken for medical treatment. Officials have stated that charges may be filed against the driver of the Ford F-250 pending further investigation. No additional details have been released at this time.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families of Eliza Dakota Leight and David Michael Lewis. We also hope the injured victim is able to recover fully.

Fatal Accidents in Tennessee

Tennessee sees thousands of fatal crashes every year, with driver-related factors such as speeding, distraction, and crossing into oncoming lanes contributing to a significant portion of these incidents. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, over 1,300 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in a recent year. Many of these tragic events could have been prevented.

Understanding the major causes of serious crashes can help drivers remain more cautious on the road. Some common causes of fatal collisions include:

• Failure to Maintain Lanes – When drivers drift into oncoming traffic, the results can be catastrophic. Crossing the center line often leads to high-speed head-on crashes that result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Distracted Driving – Anything that diverts a driver's attention from the road—such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio—can increase the risk of a severe accident. Even a few seconds of inattention can have devastating consequences.
• Speeding – Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions makes it harder for drivers to react to unexpected obstacles, increasing the severity of collisions.
• Fatigue – Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and decision-making, making it just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Many fatigue-related crashes occur on long highway stretches where drivers lose focus.

Losing a loved one in a crash is a heartbreaking experience. Families may be left dealing with medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional distress. If you have lost someone due to another driver's negligence, it is important to seek legal guidance to understand your options.

Our Harrogate wrongful death attorneys at DZ Law are here to support families in the aftermath of a tragic loss. Taking legal action can help secure financial stability and hold the responsible party accountable. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, do not wait to seek help.

At DZ Law, we understand how difficult it is to move forward after losing a family member in a preventable crash. Our team is committed to helping you pursue justice and financial relief for your losses. We offer free consultations and will guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today at 865-259-0020 to discuss your case. You don't have to face this alone—we are here to help.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.