An 85-year-old man from Mount Vernon lost his life in a car crash that occurred Thursday in Knox County. According to the authorities, the accident took place on Johnstown Road. The man, identified as Thomas Stewart, was operating a vehicle headed in a northeast direction. For reasons still under investigation, Stewart’s vehicle crossed over the center line of the roadway. After veering out of its lane, the car continued off the left side of the road and ultimately collided with a tree.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Deputies from the local sheriff’s office confirmed that Stewart was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Due to the severity of the impact, he was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other vehicles involved, and no other injuries were reported in connection to the accident.
At this point, investigators are still working to determine the precise cause of the crash. It is not yet clear whether speed, medical issues, weather, or other factors played a role in the incident. Authorities have not released any further details pending the outcome of the investigation.
The crash serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of seatbelt use, especially for older drivers. Officials often stress that seatbelts significantly increase the chance of surviving serious crashes by keeping drivers securely in their seats and reducing the force of impact.
Thomas Stewart’s death has brought sorrow to the Mount Vernon community, where he was known as a longtime resident. Local officials have not released any information regarding funeral arrangements, and family members have not yet made any public statements.
Law enforcement agencies in Knox County continue to monitor roadway safety and are urging drivers to remain cautious, obey speed limits, and always wear seatbelts. Investigators will likely examine the vehicle’s condition, any potential mechanical issues, road surface conditions, and possible signs of driver impairment or medical emergencies.
While the exact timeline and sequence of events remain under review, officials believe Stewart was alone in the vehicle at the time. No witnesses have publicly come forward, and the sheriff’s office has not indicated whether surveillance footage or nearby vehicle dashcams might provide additional information.
As the investigation unfolds, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed anything unusual on Johnstown Road that day to reach out with information.
This unfortunate event adds to the growing concern over traffic-related fatalities, especially among elderly drivers. Safety officials hope the incident will prompt greater awareness and responsibility behind the wheel.
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