Tennessee Highway Patrol says four people, including two teenagers, have died after a crash on Highway 411 in Loudon County Saturday evening.
The call came down shortly after seven Saturday evening and Loudon County Sheriff's Office and EMS both responded to the scene, according to Loudon County dispatch.
According to THP report, a van was traveling northbound on US Hwy 411 crossed the center turn lane and went into southbound traffic and struck a Nissan Altima head on.
The Altima came to an uncontrolled final stop in the southbound traffic of US Hwy 411. The driver of the van was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected. He died on the scene and has been identified as 34-year-old Darryl Brewer of Maryville, Tennessee.
The van came to a final rest in a field where it caught fire.
The driver of the Altima, 43-year-old Mitchell Armour was the only survivor. He is in critical condition at UT Medical Center. Three passengers in that car were killed. They have been identified as 39-year-old Winnie Burris of Old Fort, Tennessee, 13-year-old Riley Burris of Old Fort, Tennessee and Destiny Vires of Benton, Tennessee.
Sunday, the Polk County community mourned the deaths, asking for privacy as they come to terms with the loss.
Friends say Winnie Burris was a woman of strong faith and always sang at church with her powerful voice.
"She walked in a room, she really lit the whole room up. She would've done anything she could for anybody," said Nathan Headrick, a friend of Burris' who says she has known her for more than 20 years. "In the last few years she has taught Sunday school at her church. She has always sang in church."
THP is still investigating, but does not believe that alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
"This is a huge loss," Headrick said. "I know this is a huge loss for her family, for her community, for her church."