Chattanooga, July 31, 2025
News Summary
A Hamilton County grand jury has indicted Matthew Tyler Parker for vehicular homicide following a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Justin F. Blair. Parker faces charges including DUI and vehicular homicide by intoxication and reckless driving. Alongside this, several other recent traffic incidents have raised concerns about road safety in Chattanooga, especially under severe weather conditions. Local authorities are urging caution among drivers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Chattanooga – A Hamilton County grand jury has indicted 40-year-old Matthew Tyler Parker for vehicular homicide related to a tragic multi-vehicle accident that claimed the life of 39-year-old Justin F. Blair on February 17. Parker faces serious charges, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular homicide by reckless driving, and DUI.
Parker was arrested by local police on Tuesday following the grand jury’s decision. The indictment asserts that Parker’s reckless actions while intoxicated directly resulted in Blair’s death during the February incident.
In a separate incident shortly after midnight on Sunday, a 60-year-old man was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle while walking along Highway 58 in severe weather conditions. The victim was hit by a Chevy Malibu traveling east as he walked westward, dressed in dark clothing, which may have contributed to the accident. The Chattanooga Police Department has initiated an investigation into this incident.
Additionally, on Wednesday afternoon, a head-on collision occurred in East Chattanooga involving a charter school bus and a Cadillac SUV around 4:15 PM on Greenwood Road near Moss Street. Fortunately, no students were on board the bus at the time, and there were no injuries reported among them. However, the drivers of both the bus and SUV were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The bus was under contract for use by Chattanooga Preparatory School, and the identities of the drivers have not been released as investigations are ongoing.
In another case of traffic-related tragedies, East Ridge Police Chief Clint Uselton reported that a truck driver involved in a deadly crash on I-75 now faces multiple charges, following an incident that resulted in two fatalities. This crash occurred near the Tennessee Welcome Center and Ringgold Road and involved six cars and one 18-wheeler. Notably, two vehicles from the collision caught fire, and first responders focused on rescuing casualties trapped inside their vehicles. The total count of injuries and fatalities has not yet been officially confirmed while authorities continue their investigative efforts. A minor was reported to have been transported to the hospital following the incident.
Traffic in the affected areas has faced significant disruptions due to these incidents, although normal flow has resumed post-incident. Policymakers and local law enforcement are urging caution on the roads, especially during adverse weather conditions and times when visibility may be low.
Background on Recent Traffic Incidents
The recent string of accidents highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the Chattanooga area. Several of the incidents involve severe weather and low visibility conditions, prompting discussions among community leaders about necessary measures to improve driver awareness and safety. Local authorities are actively investigating these events in hopes of preventing future tragedies and ensuring that individuals held accountable face appropriate consequences.
FAQ
- What charges did Matthew Tyler Parker face in the vehicular homicide case?
- Parker is charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular homicide by reckless driving, and DUI.
- What happened in the fatal incident on February 17?
- A multi-vehicle crash occurred, resulting in the death of Justin F. Blair, allegedly due to the intoxicated and reckless driving of Matthew Tyler Parker.
- Were there any injuries reported in the head-on collision involving the charter school bus?
- No injuries were reported among the students on the bus, but both drivers were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- How many fatalities were reported from the I-75 crash?
- The crash resulted in two fatalities, and the truck driver is now facing multiple charges related to the incident.
Summary of Key Features
| Incident | Date | Location | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicular homicide indictment | February 17 | Hamilton County | Matthew Parker indicted for Blair’s death |
| Pedestrian fatality | Sunday (exact date unspecified) | Highway 58 | 60-year-old man killed by vehicle |
| Head-on collision | Wednesday | East Chattanooga | No student injuries; driver injuries recorded |
| I-75 crash | Date unspecified | Near Tennessee Welcome Center | Two fatalities; truck driver facing charges |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Man Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting
Tragic Tunnel Crash in East Ridge Claims Three Lives
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Snowfall Starts in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Pedestrian Killed in Chattanooga
- Google Search: Chattanooga pedestrian accident
- Local 3 News: No Students Hurt in School Bus Collision
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- News Channel 9: Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-75
- Google News: I-75 multi-vehicle crash
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
