A truck carrying three people in Sevierville, TN., flipped over several times, ejecting one of those inside. The ejected passenger has been identified 18-year-old passenger Bradley J. Gattis of Seymour, Tennessee. Gattis died on scene.
Preliminary reports found that the vehicle was likely speeding and rolled several times before coming to a rest.
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The driver of the vehicle was identified as 21-year-old Andrew S. Hoffman of Seymour. Seymour received what appeared at the scene to be minor injuries. A second passenger, 17-year-old Elisha C. Whaley of Seymour, was ejected from the vehicle and received serious injuries. Whaley and Hoffman were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center via Lifestar air ambulance Wednesday night. source
Many people grieving the young man’s untimely death took to Facebook to expresses their condolences and support for the family:
Kim Conner Deakins July 20 at 8:49pm:
“Today, I sat with one of my dearest friends and her family on the worst day of their lives. Amy Whedbee Gattis and Jason N Gattis lost their beautiful, loving son Bradley Gattis last night. Bradley was this amazing 18 year old kid that always had a twinkle in his eye. He loved Jesus, Alabama football, coca-cola and his family. As heartbreaking as today has been, the love that the gattis family has for each other is beautiful. On their darkest day they loved each other so well. And I know that Bradley was lucky enough to have that kind of love his whole life. He had the best qualities of both of his parents. In his short life, he made a positive impact on so many people.
We say it a lot, but today I am reminded of how precious life is. Tell the people that you love how much they mean to you. Tell them often.
I have never ever said what I am about to say, but for you Brad Gattis I will say it. “Roll Tide.” That one is for you. Love you. Rest well. I will love on your family here. Until we meet again….”
Amanda Corallo wrote to Roadside Memorials:
“I’ll never forget you Brad Gattis you’ve been a joy to have around but now your gone. I’ll never get used to saying that! I love you brad! Thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me! You’re the sweetest man a girl could ask for. Even tho you weren’t my “man” , you still meant so much to me! I love you so much Bradley Gattis! R.I.P. 7/19/2017— at Recovery At Seymour.”
Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church shared Jason N Gattis’s photo adding the follow caption:
“Please pray for the Gattis and Whedbee families as they mourn the loss of their 18 yr old son and grandson, Brad Gattis. Rev. Jason Gattis is the Maryville District Superintendent.”
On Thursday, officials said excessive speed and alcohol may be factors in the crash, but accident reconstructionists were continuing to investigate the crash.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this difficult time.