A devastating car accident in Summertown, Tennessee, claimed one life and left three others injured on Friday evening. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) confirmed the tragic incident, which took place on March 7, 2025, around 6:30 p.m. on Monument Road. The community has been left shaken by this unexpected and heartbreaking event.
According to the preliminary THP report, the crash occurred when 44-year-old Justin Dickson was driving east on East College Street. As he approached the intersection of East College Street and Monument Road, he failed to stop his Toyota Tundra. This resulted in a violent collision with another vehicle driven by Chasity Bates. The impact was severe, striking Bates’ vehicle on the driver’s side and causing both vehicles to veer off the road.
Following the collision, Dickson’s Toyota Tundra came to a halt in a roadside ditch along Monument Road. Bates’ vehicle also overturned due to the force of the crash and ended up in a separate ditch nearby. The scene was chaotic, with both vehicles showing significant damage. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the site to assist the victims and assess the situation.
Tragically, Justin Dickson did not survive the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. Bates and her two juvenile passengers sustained injuries, though their conditions were not immediately specified. The Tennessee Highway Patrol report highlighted that Dickson was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, while Bates and both of her passengers had their seatbelts on, which may have helped prevent more severe injuries.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and wearing seatbelts. As the investigation continues, the Summertown community mourns the loss of life and hopes for the full recovery of those injured. Authorities are working to determine if other factors contributed to this tragic incident.