Deputy Landon Faulkner, 24, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Killed in Crash on Highway 111 After Striking Disabled Vehicle; No Seatbelt, Investigation Ongoing..

‘A Life of Service Cut Short’: Hamilton County Deputy Landon Faulkner, 24, Dies in Highway 111 Collision with Disabled Vehicle

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. – The winding curves of Highway 111 in southeastern Tennessee are familiar to commuters, truckers, and first responders alike. But on a recent Wednesday evening, a stretch of that highway near Sequatchie County became the scene of an unthinkable tragedy. Deputy Landon Faulkner, a 24‑year‑old law enforcement officer with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, was driving southbound when his patrol vehicle collided with a disabled car stopped in the travel lane. The impact caused catastrophic injuries, and Faulkner was pronounced dead at a local hospital. He was not wearing a seatbelt, according to preliminary reports.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is investigating the crash. Officials confirmed that the other driver – a 61‑year‑old man whose name has not been released – was not injured. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains active.

For the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the loss is devastating. Deputy Faulkner was a young, dedicated officer who had already served in Grundy County before joining HCSC in 2022. He was a graduate of the Knoxville Police Department’s Explorer Cadet Program, a testament to his lifelong commitment to law enforcement.

“Landon was exactly the kind of deputy we want on the road – brave, compassionate, and tireless,” said Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett in a tearful statement. “He died doing what he signed up to do: protecting others. Our hearts are with his family, his friends, and every officer who wears a badge.”

As flags are lowered to half‑staff across Hamilton County, those who knew Landon Faulkner are remembering a young man who ran toward danger, who believed in justice, and whose life was taken far too soon.

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Who Was Deputy Landon Faulkner?

Landon Faulkner, 24, was a deputy with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSC) in Chattanooga. He joined the department in 2022, shortly after completing his training. But his path to law enforcement began years earlier.

Born and raised in Grundy County, Tennessee, Faulkner grew up in a small, rural community where neighbors looked out for one another. He attended Grundy County High School, where he played football and was known for his work ethic and his quiet leadership. After graduation, he enrolled in the Knoxville Police Department’s Explorer Cadet Program, a rigorous youth program designed to prepare young men and women for careers in law enforcement.

“Landon stood out from the first day,” said retired Knoxville Police Sergeant Mark Weston, who ran the Explorer program at the time. “He was mature beyond his years. He asked great questions. He was respectful but not afraid to speak his mind. We knew he was going to be a great cop.”

After completing the Explorer program, Faulkner worked briefly as a correctional officer in Grundy County before being sworn in as a patrol deputy there. He served for two years, earning commendations for his work ethic and his ability to de‑escalate tense situations. But he wanted more – more training, more responsibility, more opportunity to serve.

In 2022, he applied to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, one of the largest agencies in the state. He was accepted and quickly made a name for himself as a reliable, level‑headed deputy. His supervisors noted his attention to detail, his calm under pressure, and his genuine care for the public.

“He was the kind of deputy who would spend extra time talking to a scared child or an elderly person who was confused,” said Lieutenant Marcus Hargrove, Faulkner’s shift commander. “He didn’t just enforce the law – he served people. That’s rare in a young officer.”

Outside of work, Faulkner was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hiking in the Smoky Mountains, fishing on Nickajack Lake, and spending time with his German shepherd, Ranger. He was also a devoted son and brother. He is survived by his parents, William and Patricia Faulkner of Grundy County; his younger sister, Emma; and his fiancée, Sarah Collins, a nurse in Chattanooga.

“We were supposed to get married next spring,” Collins said, holding back tears. “Landon had already picked out the venue. He was so excited. Now I’m planning a funeral instead of a wedding. I don’t know how to do this.”

The family has asked for privacy but released a statement: “Landon lived his dream every day. He loved being a deputy. He loved this community. We are heartbroken, but we are so proud of the man he became. Please hug your loved ones and tell them you care.”

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The Crash: What the Tennessee Highway Patrol Knows

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s preliminary report, the crash occurred on Wednesday evening on Highway 111, a four‑lane divided highway that runs through Sequatchie County, just north of the Hamilton County line. The exact time has not been released, but it was after sunset, when visibility begins to decrease.

Faulkner was driving a marked 2020 Ford Explorer patrol vehicle southbound. At some point, he encountered a disabled vehicle – a 2015 Honda sedan – stopped in the southbound travel lane. The 61‑year‑old driver of the Honda was outside the vehicle, according to witnesses, but was not injured.

For reasons still under investigation, Faulkner’s Explorer collided with the rear of the disabled Honda. The impact was severe. Faulkner was not wearing his seatbelt, the preliminary report states. He was ejected from the vehicle or suffered massive blunt trauma inside the cabin; the report does not specify. He was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Honda was not injured. He remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. No charges have been filed.

“We are conducting a thorough reconstruction,” said THP Sergeant Lisa Burnette. “We are looking at speed, lighting conditions, the placement of the disabled vehicle, and whether any warning devices – flares, hazard lights, triangles – were used. We are also reviewing the deputy’s seatbelt usage, which is a factor in the severity of his injuries.”

The THP’s Critical Incident Response Team has been deployed. They are analyzing the vehicle’s event data recorder, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available dashcam footage from other motorists. The investigation could take several weeks.

Faulkner was not responding to an emergency call at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff’s office. He was on routine patrol. The disabled vehicle had not yet been reported to dispatch.

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The Dangers of Disabled Vehicles on Highways

The death of Deputy Landon Faulkner highlights a persistent danger on American roads: disabled vehicles stopped in travel lanes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hundreds of people are killed each year when their vehicles become disabled on highways, often because they are struck from behind by other drivers who fail to see them in time.

“Even with hazard lights flashing, a stopped vehicle can be nearly invisible at night, especially on a dark stretch of highway with no streetlights,” said交通安全 expert Dr. Alan Morrison of Vanderbilt University. “Drivers may be distracted, fatigued, or simply not expecting a stationary object in a lane where traffic should be moving.”

Tennessee law requires drivers of disabled vehicles to activate hazard lights and, if possible, move the vehicle to the shoulder. If the vehicle cannot be moved, drivers are advised to stay inside with seatbelts fastened and call for help. Exiting the vehicle is extremely dangerous.

It is not yet known whether the driver of the disabled Honda had his hazard lights on or whether he had placed any reflective triangles. Those details will be part of the THP investigation.

For first responders like Faulkner, the risk is even greater. Police officers are trained to be aware of their surroundings, but they are also human. Fatigue, long shifts, and the pressure of patrol can sometimes lead to momentary lapses – with tragic consequences.

“Landon was a good deputy, a safe driver,” said Sheriff Garrett. “But one mistake, one moment, one unlucky second – and he’s gone. It’s a reminder that this job is dangerous in ways most people never think about.”

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The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office: Mourning a Fallen Deputy

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, based in Chattanooga, employs more than 500 sworn deputies and civilian staff. Losing a deputy in the line of duty is every agency’s worst nightmare – but losing one in a traffic crash, off a call, is no less painful.

Flags at the sheriff’s office and all county buildings have been lowered to half‑staff. Deputies have placed black mourning bands over their badges. A memorial of flowers, candles, and patrol hats has grown outside the HCSC headquarters on Walnut Street.

“We are a family,” said Chief Deputy Austin Simmons. “When one of us falls, we all feel it. Landon was young, but he was already a mentor to some of the newer recruits. He had a bright future. We will carry his memory with us every day.”

The sheriff’s office has arranged for counseling services for all personnel. Critical incident stress management (CISM) teams are available, and chaplains have been brought in.

“It’s okay to not be okay,” said Chaplain David Reeves. “These men and women see so much. Losing a colleague is a unique kind of trauma. We are here to listen, to hold space, to help them heal.”

Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee have expressed condolences, including the Chattanooga Police Department, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. A procession of patrol cars escorted Faulkner’s body from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office in Nashville.

“The thin blue line stretches across the state today,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in a statement. “Deputy Faulkner answered the call. We honor his service and grieve with his family.”

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The Seatbelt Question: A Painful Detail

The preliminary report’s note that Faulkner was not wearing a seatbelt has added a layer of anguish to an already tragic story. Seatbelt usage is proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by nearly 50%. For law enforcement officers, who often need to exit their vehicles quickly, the decision to wear a seatbelt can be complicated.

“Many officers don’t buckle up on patrol because they believe they need to be able to jump out of the car quickly,” said Dr. Morrison. “But statistically, the risk of being in a crash is far greater than the risk of needing to exit in a split second. Seatbelts save lives – including the lives of police officers.”

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has a policy requiring seatbelt use while operating department vehicles, with exceptions for certain emergency situations. It is not yet known whether Faulkner was in compliance at the time of the crash, as the investigation is ongoing.

Sheriff Garrett addressed the issue delicately: “We have policies for a reason. We will review this incident thoroughly. But right now, our focus is on grieving Landon and supporting his family. We will learn from this tragedy, but we will not let it define his memory.”

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Community Response: Outpouring of Support

The Grundy and Hamilton County communities have rallied around the Faulkner family. A GoFundMe campaign launched by the Fraternal Order of Police raised more than $40,000 in its first 24 hours – far exceeding its initial goal. Organizers say the funds will be used for funeral expenses, a memorial scholarship, and support for Faulkner’s fiancée.

Local businesses have also stepped up. A restaurant in Chattanooga is donating a portion of its weekend proceeds to the Faulkner family. A car wash in Grundy County is offering free washes to anyone who brings a donation.

A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office headquarters. Law enforcement officers from across the region are expected to attend in dress uniforms. The service will include a final radio call – a tradition in which dispatch announces the deputy’s end of watch for the last time.

“Landon Faulkner, badge number 847. End of watch. We have the watch from here.”

The words will echo through the crowd, and there will not be a dry eye.

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The Investigation: What Comes Next

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will continue its investigation for several weeks. Once complete, the findings will be forwarded to the Sequatchie County District Attorney’s Office for review. Because the crash involved a law enforcement officer, the DA may also consult with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

No charges are expected against the driver of the disabled vehicle unless evidence emerges of gross negligence – such as parking in a travel lane without lights or leaving the vehicle unattended in an unsafe manner. At this point, there is no indication of such behavior.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will conduct its own internal review of the crash, focusing on seatbelt policy, training, and any potential mechanical issues with the patrol vehicle.

“We will be transparent,” Sheriff Garrett said. “We owe that to Landon’s family and to the public.”

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A Final Farewell

On a quiet Saturday morning, a small group of deputies gathered at the crash site on Highway 111. They placed a wreath on the guardrail and stood in silence for a full minute. Then one of them knelt and wrote on the pavement with chalk: “Landon – We’ve Got the Watch.”

Deputy Landon Faulkner was 24 years old. He was a son, a brother, a fiancé, a deputy, an Explorer, an outdoorsman, a friend. He believed in service, in justice, in community. He drove the highways of Hamilton County with pride, and he died on one of them, doing a job that most people could never imagine.

Rest in peace, Deputy Landon Faulkner. You will not be forgotten.

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Anyone with information about the crash on Highway 111 in Sequatchie County is asked to contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol at (423) 634-6700. Anonymous tips can be submitted to TN Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

A memorial fund has been established at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, 600 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402. Donations will support the family of Deputy Landon Faulkner and a scholarship for Explorer cadets.