Driver Ejected, Critically Injured in Ridgetop Rollover Crash
RIDGETOP, TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News) – A violent rollover crash in Ridgetop early Saturday morning left one man critically injured and forced the temporary closure of Highway 41 while the THP conducted a thorough investigation.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 41 and Lake Road, right there by Watauga Elementary School, the first call coming into 911 at 5:15 am. According to officials, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and transported to Skyline Medical Center in critical condition. However, authorities later reported that the driver’s condition has stabilized.
Thanks to the Ridgetop Fire Department’s close proximity — just a few addresses down from the crash site — crews were able to respond very quickly.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a thorough investigation of the crash site, which covered both sides of Lake Road and part of Highway 41. Preliminary information suggests the vehicle left Highway 41 at a high rate of speed, crossed over Lake Road, and entered a wooded area, somehow missing multiple hazards, including trees, signs, and utility poles. LOCATION OF CRASH
THP’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was called to assist with the investigation. Utilizing a drone, CIRT cataloged the entire crash site, carefully documenting the roadway, likely looking for skid marks and other evidence to reconstruct the crash. As part of the investigation, Highway 41 was shut down temporarily while the drone operated overhead.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol remained on scene for several hours, with the investigation still active at 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. The Ridgetop Fire Department, Robertson County EMS, the Robertson County Emergency Management Agency, the Greenbrier Police Department, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol all responded to the scene.
According to THP, charges against the driver are possible pending the outcome of the investigation. While officials are considering multiple factors, including the possibility of a medical emergency, the final determination will be made based on the results of the full investigation.
If we receive an update on the driver’s condition or additional details from the preliminary report — including the driver’s identity — we will add that information to our report. Reload this page for updates.
UPDATE:
Smokey Barn News has received an update from the Tennessee Highway Patrol. According to their preliminary report, the driver has been identified as 27-year-old Darnell Harris of Tennessee. Harris was driving the 2022 red Honda Accord northbound on Highway 41 near Lake Road when he left the roadway, struck an embankment, went airborne, hit a sign, overturned, and was ejected. The vehicle ultimately struck a tree and came to rest facing north. Harris was not wearing a seatbelt. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
