A North Carolina motorcyclist was killed Friday evening in Cocke County, Tennessee, after a vehicle turned left into his path, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Investigators say the crash happened around 6:20 p.m. on East Highway 25/70 when a 2005 Dodge Caravan, traveling westbound, stopped and attempted to turn left onto Highway 107. As the van crossed the eastbound lane, it collided with an oncoming motorcycle.
The rider, identified by THP as 31-year-old Solomon Sutton of North Carolina, died at the scene. Troopers said Sutton was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Following the initial report, friends and family confirmed that Sutton was the son of legendary Appalachian moonshiner Marvin , a well-known figure in the region’s history.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan remained at the scene. As of Sunday, no charges had been announced, and the crash remains under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
For riders, the crash is another heartbreaking reminder of one of motorcycling’s most common deadly scenarios: a vehicle making a left turn across the path of an approaching motorcycle. Even when riders are wearing proper safety gear and have the right of way, these collisions often leave little time or distance to avoid impact.