Fatality: William Kirkpatrick dies in fatal Knoxville, Tennessee pedestrian crash

William Kirkpatrick dies in fatal Knoxville, Tennessee pedestrian crash
Fatal Knoxville, Tennessee pedestrian crash death of William Kirkpatrick – Obituary

William Kirkpatrick, 74, lost his life Tuesday night while attempting to cross Chapman Highway, drawing renewed attention to Knoxville’s ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian safety.

The city has long planned upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure along the busy corridor, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is reviewing state highways and interstates throughout Knox County for possible safety enhancements.

Local business owner Josh Richardson, who operates a stall at the Nostalgia vintage mall on Chapman Highway, described the road as especially dangerous for pedestrians. He explained that many people would think twice before crossing on foot and might prefer driving instead.

Richardson, a Knoxville resident for over 15 years, emphasized the challenges faced by those without cars. “Not everyone has the option to drive to a safe crossing,” he said. “Many have to walk to get to stores or complete daily tasks, and the current conditions make that difficult and risky.”

While acknowledging the city’s efforts, Richardson noted that additional measures are needed to fully address the safety issues. “It’s a complex problem, but at least the city is making moves to improve conditions and protect pedestrians,” he said.

In 2024, Knoxville received federal funding to support improvements along Chapman Highway, including sidewalks and other pedestrian-focused infrastructure. TDOT continues to evaluate potential upgrades to enhance safety on the county’s broader road network.