July 15, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
A morning crash today (Friday) involving an SUV and dump truck claimed the life of 79-year-old Gordon Walter of Smithville.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Walter was north on Allens Ferry Road in a Toyota 4Runner SUV when he pulled into the path of a southbound 388 Peterbilt dump truck while trying to make a left turn onto Holmes Creek Road near the Little League ballpark. The dump truck was driven by 40-year-old Terrance Martin of Smithville. He was driving for T Bird Trucking.
The crash report states that Walter’s automobile hit the truck in the southbound lane at an angle. After impact the SUV traveled south for several feet before coming to a final rest roadside left facing north. The dump truck traveled several feet southbound crossing the center line before running off roadside left where it overturned and then came to final rest outside the roadway facing east.
According to the report, Walter was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Martin did have on his seatbelt and was not hurt.
In addition to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, members of DeKalb EMS, DeKalb Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and TDOT were also on the scene.