Knoxville, TN (September 2, 2026) – A 24-year-old woman died after a Dodge sedan left the road on Tuesday evening, September 1, near Boyd’s Bridge Pike and Andes Rd. The woman was a passenger in the vehicle and was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The Knoxville Police Department said the sedan was traveling west at a high rate of speed around 8:30 p.m. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Marlon Jiminez-Galo, reportedly lost control and struck two poles before leaving the woman behind.
A witness told police that a man fled from the vehicle into nearby woods after the wreck. Officers searched nearby but did not locate him. Police said the Dodge is believed to belong to Jiminez-Galo.
Warrants have been issued for Jimenez-Galo on charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving without a license. His whereabouts remained unknown as the search continued. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is still underway.
Our deepest sympathies are with the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
What Happens When a Driver Loses Control at High Speed?
Speed can greatly reduce a driver’s ability to maintain control of a vehicle. Higher speeds require more distance to stop and can make steering corrections harder when a vehicle begins to move off its intended path.
Road conditions, visibility, traffic, and the driver’s actions can also affect how a vehicle behaves. Striking fixed objects such as utility poles can create serious hazards for people inside the vehicle.
After a serious roadway crash, investigators may examine vehicle damage, tire marks, roadway conditions, witness accounts, and other available evidence. These details can help establish the sequence of movements before and after the vehicle leaves the road. Medical records may also document the severity of injuries and the treatment provided after a person is taken to a hospital.
