Tonya Cannady dies in fatal Memphis car crash
Fatal Memphis car crash death of Tonya Cannady – Obituary
Tonya Cannady and her two sons, Barry and Scott, tragically died in a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 40 near Hollywood in Memphis. Their vehicle caught fire after the collision, and all three lost their lives at the scene. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Cannady, a longtime employee at Youth Villages, worked as the nutrition services manager and had been with the organization for over two decades. Her dedication impacted countless children and staff across their West Tennessee facilities. Colleagues described her as a vital and deeply cherished part of the team.
Youth Villages released a heartfelt statement mourning her death, noting her 22 years of service and the many lives she touched throughout her career. Friends and coworkers are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of Cannady and her children.
Franchesca Roland, who witnessed the crash, recalled her efforts to assist at the scene. She and others pulled one passenger from the wreckage and attempted CPR. Sadly, despite their efforts, the lives of all three family members could not be saved.
According to the Memphis Police Department, the crash involved five vehicles and resulted in another individual being hospitalized. Friends of the family noted that Cannady and her sons were incredibly close and rarely apart.
Roland shared the emotional weight of the experience, describing the chaos and urgency as she and others tried to rescue those trapped inside the burning vehicle.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
