12-30-17 Traffic Crash/Fatality - 8400 E. Brainerd Rd.

• Vehicle 1 (Buick) was traveling west on E Brainerd Rd in the left lane
• Vehicle 2 (Jeep) was traveling east on E Brainerd Rd in the left lane
• Vehicle 1 made a left turn from E Brainerd Rd to Givens Rd in front of Vehicle 2
• Vehicle 1 struck Vehicle 2 head on while making the turn and caught fire as a result of the crash
• An off-duty Chattanooga Police Officer was near the scene and assisted in removing and rendering aid to the occupants of Vehicle 1
• The passenger of Vehicle 1 was taken by HCEMS to a local hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. He later succumbed to those injuries at the hospital.
• The driver of Vehicle 1 had minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital by HCEMS
• The driver of Vehicle 2 was taken by personal vehicle to a local hospital with minor injuries

Vehicle #1 - 2009 Buick Lacrosse

Vehicle #2 - 2017 Jeep Patriot

Passenger of Vehicle #1
Eric Wertenberger (male, 72)

Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.

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NOTE: The preceding information is preliminary and is subject to change as the investigation continues.