Four crashes, six fatalities reported over July 4th weekend across the region

Six fatalities on regional highways were reported over the holiday weekend.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol was called to a crash on Newport Highway near Kiser Loop in Greene County Friday evening where two people were found after a car went off the road a struck a tree. The driver, Amber Buffaloe, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger, Corey Buffaloe, 36, died while being airlifted to Knoxville.

THP is also involved in a fatal crash investigation in Cocke County. A motorcycle operated by 33-year-old Solomon Sutton was making a turn onto Highway 107 when a minivan pulled into his path. Sutton was the son of legendary Tennessee moonshine maker Popcorn Sutton. The agency noted charges could be placed against the minivan driver.

In Virginia, State Police said a motorcycle rider was killed exiting Interstate 81 in Pulaski County. The preliminary report said Timothy Cox, 67, of Dublin ran off the ramp and hit two signs. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and officers said Cox was wearing a helmet.

Troopers were also called to the Sugar Grove area of Smyth County following a collision between two vehicles Friday afternoon. An SUV driven by 50-year-old Sonya Baker crossed the center line of the highway near Racoon Branch Campground and collided with a pickup truck driven by David Shore, 64. Both victims resided in Troutdale and were pronounced dead at the crash site.

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