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
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.