Knoxville, TN (July 21, 2025) – A crash early Sunday morning in Knoxville claimed the life of a 78-year-old woman and left another person hospitalized, according to local authorities.

The Knoxville Police Department responded to the deadly wreck around 1:30 a.m. on July 20 at the intersection of Western Avenue and Keith Avenue. Investigators determined that a Ford Mustang, driven by 21-year-old Kevin Zaragoza, was speeding when it slammed into a Nissan Altima.

The impact killed a 78-year-old woman who was riding as a passenger in the Altima. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The 58-year-old man behind the wheel of the Altima was seriously injured and rushed to the hospital, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police noted that Zaragoza showed visible signs of intoxication at the crash site. Witnesses also confirmed that the Mustang had been traveling at high speeds moments before the collision.

Zaragoza was taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries he sustained in the wreck. He has since been booked into the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. He faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular assault, and driving under the influence. The crash site remained closed for hours as investigators reconstructed the scene and collected evidence. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

Our thoughts go out to the families of those affected by this incident.

DUI Car Accidents in Tennessee

Alcohol-related crashes continue to impact families and communities across Tennessee. These types of accidents often lead to devastating outcomes and are largely preventable. Below are some common facts about DUI crashes and their consequences:

• Higher Fatality Rates: DUI-related crashes are more likely to result in death or serious injury. Impaired drivers often travel at excessive speeds and fail to respond appropriately to changing road conditions.
• Older Adults at Greater Risk: Elderly passengers are especially vulnerable in vehicle accidents, as their bodies are more fragile and slower to recover from trauma. In fatal crashes, seniors are often less likely to survive even moderate impacts.
• Multiple Charges and Long-Term Impact: DUI crashes that lead to death often result in felony charges, including vehicular homicide. These cases not only carry long-term legal consequences but can also leave a lasting emotional toll on everyone involved.
• Repeat Offenders and Monitoring: Many DUI offenders have previous violations. States like Tennessee have implemented stricter monitoring, but impaired driving remains a significant issue, especially during late-night and early-morning hours.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related crash, speaking with a Knoxville car accident attorney as soon as possible is critical. Early involvement allows key evidence to be gathered and preserved while helping families understand their legal rights. Our Knoxville car accident attorneys work with victims and their families to hold reckless drivers accountable and pursue justice in the aftermath of tragedy.

At DZ Law, we provide free consultations to help you explore your legal options. We understand how difficult the days after a serious accident can be and are committed to being there for you. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss possible outcomes.

With compassionate legal guidance and experience, we aim to support families as they recover and rebuild. Call our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys at 865-259-0020 to begin the process. You don't have to face this alone—contact DZ Law today.

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.