COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — Update (7/31 4:10 p.m.):
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said Brayden Hopkins, 19, was killed after a crash Tuesday evening, and so was his 15-year-old passenger, Hayden Carter.
According to a preliminary report, Hopkins was driving on Thinwood Drive and approached the intersection of Highway 25/70 at around 8:25 p.m. It said he was driving on a curve when the car drove off the road on the left side and hit a parked semi-trailer.
Cocke County Sheriff CJ Ball originally said that two juveniles were killed in the crash. However, he later confirmed that it was a 19-year-old and a 15-year-old.
Ball said at least one of the victims was a Cocke County High School student.
"We are all devastated for the families involved. Our community will come together for these families and do whatever we can to help them in this time of need. Everyone involved needs the prayers to lift them up during this tragedy that has taken place," Ball said.
Cocke County High School posted a statement on social media, grieving Carter's death. That statement is available below.
"It is with heavy hearts that Cocke County High School mourns the loss of rising sophomore Hayden Carter. She was a beloved member of the Cocke County High School Lady Red basketball team. Hayden epitomized the definition of a positive student athlete and is the player that every coach wants on their team. Her influence will always remain strong and her memory and honor will live on through her teammates. We all remember Hayden’s work ethic, bubbly personality, and determination. We ask that everyone remember her family, friends, and the Cocke County community in your thoughts and prayers."
According to Carter's obituary, the family will hold a receiving of friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday at Manes Funeral Home. The service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Previous (7/30 10 p.m.):
The Cocke County Sheriff's Office said it was responding to a serious crash on Thinwood Drive Tuesday evening.
On social media, it said the Tennessee Highway Patrol was called to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. It also warned drivers to expect delays in the Thinwood Drive and West Highway 25/70 area.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation also reported a crash in that area Tuesday evening, near Newport. It showed traffic backed up to near I-40 as of around 10 p.m.
Additional information, such as the identities of anyone involved in the crash and whether any injuries were reported, was not immediately available. This story will be updated when more information is available.