Smith County, TN (June 16, 2026) – Two people were killed in a head-on crash on Interstate 40 in Smith County late Sunday night.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 258 at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. Investigators said 21-year-old Chase Pulley of California was driving a 2015 Honda CR-V westbound in the eastbound lanes when it struck a 2024 Nissan Sentra traveling east.
Pulley and the Nissan driver, 20-year-old Breanna Sullivan of Tennessee, both died as a result of the wreck. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash led to the closure of the roadway for several hours overnight before traffic resumed during the morning. No additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision were immediately released.
Investigators continue to examine the factors that contributed to the fatal accident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Chase Pulley and Breanna Sullivan.
Why Are Wrong-Way Crashes Usually So Severe?
Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous types of roadway collisions because the vehicles involved are often traveling toward one another at highway speeds. When two vehicles meet head-on, the combined force can be far greater than in many other traffic crashes, increasing the likelihood of life-threatening injuries.
These collisions most commonly occur on divided highways and interstates where drivers enter an exit ramp or travel in the wrong direction. Reduced visibility at night can make it more difficult for motorists to recognize and avoid oncoming vehicles. Road signs, pavement markings, and highway design features are intended to help prevent wrong-way travel, but driver confusion, impairment, fatigue, or unfamiliarity with a roadway can still contribute. Because reaction times are often limited, these crashes frequently result in severe outcomes for those involved.
