Local News
Cynthia Paulie and 6-Year-Old Lucy Belle Killed in Head-On Crash with Semi-Truck on State Route 8 in Sequatchie County
SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. — Two people, including a 6-year-old child, were killed and four others were injured following a devastating head-on collision involving an SUV and a tractor-trailer on State Route 8 near Cagle Mountain in Sequatchie County, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. on June 19 and resulted in a lengthy highway closure, significant damage to utility infrastructure, and a large emergency response.
According to THP’s preliminary crash report, a 2001 Ford Expedition traveling northbound on State Route 8 crossed the center line and entered the southbound lane, where it collided head-on with a Coca-Cola tractor-trailer.
Investigators said the southbound commercial vehicle, a 2017 Mack tractor-trailer, was being operated by Andrew G. Tomkins, 56, of Tennessee.
Following the initial impact, the tractor-trailer left the roadway and struck a utility pole, causing damage to electrical infrastructure near the Cagle Mountain Trading Post and resulting in a power outage in the surrounding area.
Authorities identified the driver of the Ford Expedition as Cynthia A. Paulie, 69, of Indiana. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead as a result of the crash.
A 6-year-old child who was riding in the SUV also suffered fatal injuries and died following the collision.
The Ford Expedition was occupied by a total of five individuals from Indiana. Among the injured was Meredith Allen, 42, who was transported for medical treatment.
Two additional children, ages 6 and 9, also sustained injuries in the crash and were treated by emergency responders.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, Andrew G. Tomkins, was injured as well and received medical attention.
According to THP, every person involved in the collision either sustained injuries or died as a result of the crash.
The collision prompted a major response from law enforcement, fire personnel, emergency medical services, and utility crews. State Route 8, also known as Highway 111 through the Cagle Mountain area, remained closed for an extended period while investigators documented evidence, removed damaged vehicles, and repaired utility infrastructure.
The damaged utility pole caused power disruptions in the area, further complicating recovery efforts.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary findings indicate the Ford Expedition crossed the center line before striking the tractor-trailer, though investigators are still reviewing all contributing factors.
At this time, authorities have reported that no charges are pending in connection with the crash.
Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
The tragic collision has left multiple families mourning and has deeply affected the Sequatchie County community. Condolences continue to pour in for the loved ones of those who lost their lives and for all those injured in the crash.
Local News
Two Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Service Members Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Pensacola Identified as Carlos DeAnda and Lamont Drekwon Bagley
PENSACOLA, Florida — Two service members identified as Carlos DeAnda and Lamont Drekwon Bagley are among three sailors who died in a fiery car crash early Saturday, October 24, 2026, near Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The fatal crash has left the military community and residents of Pensacola grieving as friends and fellow service members remember the young sailors and share messages of support for their families.
The Pensacola Police Department said officers received a report of a traffic crash at approximately 1:35 a.m. near M Street and Cervantes Street.
When first responders reached the scene, they found the vehicle engulfed in flames, according to Officer Gordon of the Pensacola Police Department.
“Upon arrival, we found the vehicle engulfed in flames,” Gordon said.
After firefighters extinguished the fire, emergency personnel discovered three sailors inside the vehicle. All three were dead.
The Naval Education and Training Command confirmed that the service members were stationed at NAS Pensacola. The Pensacola Police Department is leading the investigation into the fatal crash.
The two sailors identified in the information available for this report are Carlos DeAnda and Lamont Drekwon Bagley. Authorities have not provided the third sailor’s name in the information supplied.
The three service members were assigned to training commands at NAS Pensacola.
Two held the ranks of Navy E-1 and E-2 and served with the Naval Air Technical Training Center. The third, who held the rank of E-2, was assigned to the Naval Aviation Schools Command.
Both commands are located at NAS Pensacola, a military installation that serves as an important center for naval aviation training.
The loss of three service members has deeply affected people who knew them personally, including fellow sailors who remembered their friendship and the happiness they brought to their barracks.
As news of the crash spread, people who said they knew the victims began sharing memories and condolences on social media.
Daniela Cruz-Ortiz said she knew two of the sailors and remembered them as people who made life brighter for those around them.
“I knew two of them; they were amazing people with amazing smiles, making the whole barracks laugh and happy. May they all rest easy,” she wrote.
Logan Bullock also paid tribute to one of the service members, describing him as humble and happy.
“I knew one of them; he was a great guy, very humble and happy. Rest easy, brother; you will be missed,” Bullock commented.
The tributes offer a glimpse into the relationships the sailors built with friends and fellow service members. For those who knew the victims, the tragedy represents the loss of friends and shipmates whose presence made a difference in their lives.
Residents and community members have shared messages of sympathy for the victims’ families and the sailors who served alongside them.
Jenny Dallas expressed condolences and gratitude for the victims’ military service.
“My deepest condolences to all their loved ones. God rest their souls. My thanks for their service. In Jesus’ name,” she wrote.
Kiesha Dean offered prayers for the families, asking that they receive comfort during the difficult days ahead.
“Praying for those families. Praying God gives them comfort during this trying time, and thank you for their service to the service members,” Dean commented.
Monese Roberts also shared a message of support, writing, “Oh my. Prayers for their families and fellow service members.”
Ronda Lee Wood extended her prayers to the victims’ families and first responders.
The messages reflect the community’s grief and its desire to stand with those affected by the loss.
The Naval Education and Training Command issued a statement mourning the deaths and offering condolences to the families, friends, and fellow sailors of the three service members.
Cmdr. David Gardner, the command’s public affairs representative, said:
“The Navy mourns the loss of our shipmates and extends our deepest condolences to the sailors’ families, friends, and fellow sailors during this difficult time. Grief counseling service and support are available through local Navy chaplains.”
The statement emphasizes the support available to service members and loved ones as they cope with the tragedy.
The Pensacola Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash at M Street and Cervantes Street.
The available information does not establish what caused the vehicle to crash or catch fire. Additional details about the circumstances leading up to the incident have not been provided.
The deaths of the three sailors have prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends, military colleagues, and members of the Pensacola community.
As investigators work to establish the circumstances of the crash, the victims’ loved ones are left to mourn three service members whose lives ended far too soon.
Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and fellow sailors grieving this heartbreaking loss.