JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Authorities said Judge Duane Slone was hit and killed early Sunday morning in Jefferson County. He had a flat tire and was walking along Highway 25/70 when a passing vehicle hit him.
Slone had worked in the Fourth District since 1998. In 2009, he co-founded the district's Drug Recovery Court. He also served as chairman of a regional judicial opioid initiative. Stephen Loyd, a friend and colleague, worked with Slone for the past 10 years. He said it'll be difficult to fill his place.
"I'm not sure Judge Slone is replaceable because of the work that he has done in the criminal justice system, and particularly being a judge and the ideas that he had. I don't know anybody that I would even mention in the same breath with him. And it is a horrific loss," Loyd said.
Loyd said the impact Slone had on those who came into his court is hard to describe. But, he said it's almost familial.
"He's the closest thing to a father that a lot of these folks have ever had and that's how they look at him. When do you ever go in a courtroom and it's a happy occasion? It's when Judge Slone is running a recovery court in his docket, because he's upbeat. He's positive. He's trying to help these people put lives back together," he said.
Judge Carter Moore worked with Slone on the drug recovery court. He said Slone has had a big impact on him as a judge, specifically making him realize that addiction is a treatment problem.
"He had a passion for people. He had a passion for restoring their lives," Moore said.
Moore took over Slone's docket Monday morning and will take over recovery court. The rest of Slone's cases will be split between other judges for the rest of the week. Moore said they're working towards another temporary solution, but finding a replacement will be "impossible."
"Whoever does end up taking his place, should have an ear and an eye and a heart for helping those and their families who are affected and devasted by drug abuse," he said.
Slone was locally and nationally recognized. In 2019, he received the highest award for a state court judge.
"He was ours and we were so proud that someone with such a heart for this issue came from East Tennessee, from the Fourth District here in Jefferson County," Moore said.
Loyd and Moore said Slone was one-of-a-kind. They both said they're hopeful others will be inspired and continue his work.