Katie Willis was 35 years old. She died Friday morning on Interstate 26 near Flag Pond in Unicoi County, Tennessee. The crash happened around mile marker 45. She was driving her Honda Pilot eastbound in the right lane.
A Kenworth tractor-trailer was ahead of her. The truck moved slow because of the uphill grade. Katie’s Honda did not slow down. It did not switch to the left lane. The Honda slammed into the back of the truck.
Tennessee Highway Patrol said the impact killed her. The truck driver walked away without injury. Troopers are still looking into what led up to the crash.
People who knew Katie now face empty days. Her name comes up in quiet talks among friends and family. They remember the ordinary mornings she used to have.
The interstate stretch near Flag Pond sees plenty of traffic. Uphill climbs force big trucks to drop speed. Drivers behind them have to stay alert. This time the gap closed too fast.
Katie’s life stopped on that stretch of road. The Honda and the Kenworth sat there while emergency crews worked. Her family and friends feel the sudden hole left behind.
Investigators keep checking the details. No other vehicles got involved. The morning started normal and ended with one death. Katie Willis is gone.
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