Lane Smith and David Huggins die in fatal East Ridge I-75 crash

Lane Smith and David Huggins die in fatal East Ridge I-75 crash

Fatal East Ridge I-75 crash deaths of Lane Smith and David Huggins – Obituary

Two people lost their lives in a tragic crash on Interstate 75 in East Ridge on Mother’s Day. Authorities have identified the deceased as 23-year-old Lane Smith of Fayetteville, Tennessee, and 61-year-old David “Jeff” Huggins from Dawsonville, Georgia.

The fatal incident occurred when a semi-truck, driven by 65-year-old Joseph Antoinier, failed to reduce speed, triggering a devastating chain-reaction crash that involved the semi and six additional vehicles. According to police, the impact caused fires in two vehicles, leading to deadly consequences.

Three adults sustained critical injuries and were rushed to intensive care, while two children also remain in critical condition. Additionally, two individuals were treated and released after suffering minor burns while trying to rescue others from the burning wreckage.

In response to the crash, a GoFundMe has been launched to support Smith’s wife and two young children who survived the incident.

Antoinier has been arrested and charged with two counts of reckless homicide, seven counts of felony reckless endangerment, and three counts of aggravated reckless assault. East Ridge Police Chief Clint Uselton emphasized that the crash resulted from the truck driver’s failure to react appropriately to traffic slowing ahead.

Emergency crews arrived quickly at the scene near mile marker 1.2 around 5:20 p.m. on Sunday. They carried out multiple vehicle extrications and lifesaving interventions amid a chaotic scene with fires and blocked traffic. Authorities diverted traffic from I-75 North at exit 1 while they worked for hours to clear the wreckage and investigate.

Multiple agencies, including the Chattanooga Police, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Tennessee Highway Patrol, assisted in the response. The East Ridge Police Department continues to investigate the incident.