Deer strikes car, killing Tennessee woman - and more Chattanooga region news

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Deer goes into car, killing woman

WHITE PINE, Tenn. - An 18-year-old Hamblen County, Tenn., woman was killed Sunday when a deer struck by another car was flung through the windshield of her vehicle on U.S. Highway 25E.

Kenda L. Talley, of Talbott, was killed in the 7:21 p.m. crash near White Pine in Jefferson County, according to a report filed by Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Raines.

Talley was driving a 1981 Chevrolet Blazer northbound on Highway 25E where the posted speed limit is 55 mph. She was wearing a seat belt, as was the 13-year-old boy from White Pine riding in the Blazer, Raines noted.

"The deer went through the windshield of vehicle 2 [the Blazer] and out the rear window," Raines wrote. The Blazer then ran off the road and struck a tree.

The teen was injured, but the Highway Patrol withheld his name and did not specify the extent of his injuries.

The deer apparently was sent airborne when struck by a southbound 2004 Nissan Sentra, according to Raines. The deer was standing in the southbound lane and was tossed toward the northbound lane by the impact.

Raines said the Sentra was driven by William M. Woody, 34, of Parrottsville. He was wearing a seat belt and was not injured. Two passengers in the Sentra were not injured, according to Raines' report.


Student wins for copter design

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. - Officials said a Collierville High School student has been named grand champion in the national Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge.

Shelby County Schools officials said sophomore Vance Hudson submitted a design for the competition, which challenges students to design an innovative helicopter for the year 2050 that can address a global issue. The annual competition is open to students ages 9 to 16.

Hudson designed a semi-autonomous aircraft that could be used for humanitarian missions. The "S-2050," as he calls it, also would help reduce carbon emissions and environmental waste.

Hudson will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to Sikorsky headquarters in Connecticut.

Collierville junior Sabrina Curley was notified this week that she was one of only four national finalists in the competition.


Autopsy planned after fiery standoff

ALBERTVILLE, Ala. - Authorities are planning an autopsy to determine the identity of a body found after a fiery standoff in Northeast Alabama.

Police responding to reports of a domestic disturbance at a home in Albertville in Marshall County said a man identified as Chris Higdon opened fire on officers Saturday.

A woman and two children escaped unharmed, but police said the man went inside the house and the shooting continued. Officers heard several explosions, and the house caught fire.

Police said searchers found a body inside once the fire was out, and they also found evidence of homemade bombs.

Marshall County Coroner Marlon Killion said Monday there's no reason to suspect the body is anyone other than Higdon, but an autopsy is needed.

Killion said the exam is planned today.