The Tennessee Highway Patrol has released the names of those involved in Thursday’s (12/16/2021) deadly crash on I-40 in Cumberland County. The names were initially withheld under advisement from the District Attorney. The THP now reports that 72-year-old Michael Copeland, of Cookeville, was killed. According to the THP’s Preliminary Accident Report, a 2022 Buick SUV, driven by 40-year-old Joshua Fields, of Alcoa, Tennessee and Mr. Copeland’s 2011 Toyota SUV were both traveling eastbound on I-40. Around noon Thursday, at the I-40 Eastbound 322 mile marker, Fields’ Buick struck Copeland’s Toyota, causing the Toyota to travel across the center median into oncoming traffic on the westbound side. Mr. Copeland’s Toyota was struck head-on by a 2020 Peterbilt Tractor-Trailer, driven by 59-year-old Bobby Shires, of Fincastle, Virginia. Mr. Copeland was pronounced deceased on the scene. Mr. Shires suffered minor injuries. Mr. Fields was reportedly not hurt in the crash. The THP report states the investigation is ongoing and no other information is available at this time.
Names Released In Thursday’s Fatal Crash On I-40
Dec 19, 2021 | 11:36 AM