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April 28, 2025 – A devastating crash in rural Tennessee left two bicyclists dead and several others injured after a car plowed into a group of riders on Monday morning. Local law enforcement confirmed the driver of the vehicle has been arrested and is cooperating with the investigation.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on a two-lane stretch of Highway 70 near the town of Crossville, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Witnesses said the group of about 15 cyclists was riding single file when a silver sedan veered into the bike lane and struck them from behind.
“It was a scene of chaos. People were thrown off their bikes, screaming,” said a witness who asked not to be identified. “The driver didn’t seem to brake until after the impact.”
Two victims, both adult males, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. At least six other cyclists were transported to nearby hospitals, with two listed in critical condition and the others treated for minor injuries.
The driver, a 34-year-old man from Crossville, was taken into custody shortly after the crash and faces charges including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and DUI (suspected). Authorities said a preliminary breath test indicated alcohol involvement, but toxicology results are pending.
“This is a tragic loss for the cycling community and our entire region,” said Sgt. James Hartley of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “We are working diligently to determine exactly what happened and ensure justice for the victims and their families.”
The crash has reignited calls for better road safety measures in areas popular with cyclists. Local advocacy group “Bike Safe Tennessee” released a statement urging the state to install wider bike lanes and lower speed limits on rural highways.
“Every year, we see preventable deaths like this,” said group spokesperson Carla Mendez. “We need infrastructure that protects vulnerable road users. Two lives lost today could have been saved.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that bicycle fatalities in the U.S. have been on the rise, with over 1,000 deaths in 2023 alone. Tennessee ranks among the top 10 states for cyclist deaths per capita, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
In response to Monday’s tragedy, the Crossville City Council announced it will hold a special meeting this week to discuss potential safety improvements, including adding rumble strips and reflective signage along the crash corridor.
The investigation remains ongoing. The highway was closed for several hours as crews cleared the scene, but has since reopened. Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage or additional information to contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
As the community mourns, a candle
