April 13, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
Another head-on crash in DeKalb County has claimed a life.
42 year old Thomas Higginbotham of Silver Point died after being flown by helicopter ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville Monday afternoon.
Trooper Brandon Johnson of the THP said Higginbotham was north on Highway 56 near Silver Point in a 1990 Ford Ranger as 39 year old Eric D. Fish, driving a 2015 Chevy Traverse, was heading south.
According to Trooper Johnson, Fish crossed into the path of Higginbotham and the crash occurred as both drivers swerved trying to avoid a collision.
Fish and his wife and son, 40 year old Janet Fish and 20 year old Derek Fish were all injured. Trooper Johnson said Mrs. Fish was airlifted by helicopter ambulance to Skyline Medical Center while Mr. Fish and his son were transported by DeKalb EMS to Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
Members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department’s extrication and rescue team responded with backup support from the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department. A Putnam County firefighter/paramedic, who was passing by stopped to help render assistance.
The fatal crash came one week after 18 year old Cassie Maxwell of Alexandria lost her life in a two vehicle wreck on Highway 70 between Dowelltown and Liberty.