Chattanooga, October 9, 2025
News Summary
A tragic accident on Gunbarrel Road in Chattanooga resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man and serious injuries to a woman after being struck by a pickup truck driven by John Boyd, who has been arrested for DUI and vehicular homicide. The couple had stopped their vehicle with hazard lights on when the incident occurred, highlighting the dangers associated with impaired driving.
Chattanooga
A pedestrian was killed and another seriously injured following a collision involving a pickup truck on Gunbarrel Road Sunday night. The driver of the truck, identified as 32-year-old John Boyd, has been arrested for DUI and vehicular homicide, among other charges.
The incident occurred around 9:15 PM when Boyd, driving a Dodge 1500, struck two pedestrians—a 27-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman—who had stopped their Jeep Wrangler on the side of the road due to running out of gas. The couple had their hazard lights activated at the time of the accident.
First responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. The woman was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. In addition, two juvenile passengers in Boyd’s vehicle were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to preliminary reports, Boyd admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana just prior to the crash. Following the collision, police discovered empty alcohol bottles and marijuana inside his vehicle. Boyd also failed all field sobriety tests administered by officers.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has urged anyone with information regarding the crash to come forward as they continue to investigate the situation. They are looking into the circumstances that contributed to the incident.
This tragic event follows another crash earlier in the day in a separate incident in the 9900 block of Mahan Gap Road, where the driver was found dead at the scene alongside their overturned vehicle. Still under investigation, details regarding the identity of the deceased have not been released.
As law enforcement seeks to unravel the details behind both incidents, communities are being reminded of the possible dangers of impaired driving, underscoring the importance of safety on the road.
Investigation Details
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is actively gathering information and evidence related to both the Gunbarrel Road incident and the fatal crash on Mahan Gap Road. They are appealing to the public for any eyewitness accounts or information that could aid in their investigations.
Road Safety Concerns
Both incidents highlight the persistent dangers associated with impaired driving and pedestrian safety. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance for drivers and encourage pedestrians to remain safe while navigating roadside situations.
Background Information
Despite the specifics of each incident being under investigation, it is clear that the risks of driving under the influence remain a serious concern across Chattanooga and nationwide. Similar events occur regularly, prompting calls for greater awareness and enhanced safety measures to protect both drivers and pedestrians.
FAQ
What happened on Gunbarrel Road in Chattanooga?
An incident occurred on Gunbarrel Road Sunday night at approximately 9:15 PM involving a Dodge 1500 striking two pedestrians.
Who were the victims in the Gunbarrel Road incident?
The pedestrians were a 27-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman who had stopped with their Jeep Wrangler due to running out of gas, with hazard lights activated.
What charges have been filed against the driver?
The driver of the Dodge, identified as 32-year-old John Boyd, was arrested for DUI and vehicular homicide among other charges.
What substance did the driver admit to using?
Boyd admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana prior to the crash and failed field sobriety tests.
What evidence was found in Boyd’s vehicle?
Police found empty alcohol bottles and marijuana in Boyd’s vehicle.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is requesting information from the public regarding both incidents.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga |
| Involved Vehicles | Dodge 1500 and Jeep Wrangler |
| Victims | 27-year-old man (deceased), 27-year-old woman (seriously injured) |
| Driver Arrested | John Boyd (32 years old) |
| Charges | DUI, vehicular homicide, among others |
| Substances Found | Alcohol and marijuana |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, public requested for information |
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9: Deadly Pedestrian Crash on Gunbarrel Road
- Local 3 News: Driver Charged in Deadly Crash
- WDEF: Man Arrested for DUI and Vehicular Homicide
- Wikipedia: Impaired Driving
- Times Free Press: One Dead in Solo Crash on Mahan Gap Road
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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