Maryville, Tennessee – Russell Swanson, a 44-year-old resident of Maryville, tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Alcoa Highway early Monday morning, August 12, 2024. The accident occurred at the intersection of Alcoa Highway and Hillside Drive, where the Alcoa Police Department responded at 7:21 a.m. to find Swanson lying near his motorcycle.
Emergency responders quickly transported Swanson to the University of Tennessee Care Center. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The incident has deeply impacted the local community, and an investigation is ongoing to fully understand the circumstances leading to the crash.
Preliminary reports suggest that Swanson was traveling northbound on Alcoa Highway when a car in the same direction attempted to turn into the center median near Hillside Drive. Swanson’s motorcycle collided with the rear left side of the merging vehicle, leading to the injuries that ultimately claimed his life. The driver of the vehicle has been cited for failure to yield, as initial investigations indicate that the car did not properly yield the right of way.
The Alcoa Police Department is continuing its investigation, collecting additional witness statements and reviewing the evidence to provide a comprehensive account of the events. This tragic incident underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution, particularly when merging or navigating intersections.
Russell Swanson’s family is expected to release information regarding his funeral arrangements soon. The Alcoa Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Swanson’s family and friends during this difficult time. Further updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.