KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knox County Sheriff's Office said a Knoxville city councilmember's daughter died in an SUV crash involving a driver who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol in West Knox County on Sunday.
The wreck involved two SUVs. KCSO said one vehicle crossed the center line on Schaeffer Road, hitting another head-on.
The crash report from the sheriff's office said the driver of a Saturn SUV, 24-year-old Savannah Stanley, was driving her vehicle erratically on the wrong side of the road. KCSO said it suspected she was driving under the influence at the time with three passengers in the vehicle. The results of an alcohol blood test are pending, the report shows.
"Sergeant DeArmond says speed and alcohol are contributing factors, and charges are pending," said KCSO. "The road will be closed until approximately 11:30 p.m."
One of the three passengers was 21-year-old Kylie Veronica Roberto of Knoxville. KCSO said Roberto died in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. She was Knoxville 2nd District City Councilmember Andrew Roberto's daughter.
According to the crash report, the Saturn SUV hit an Acura SUV on Schaeffer Road near Hardin Valley Road. Deputies said the Saturn went out of its lane while negotiating a curve, crossed over to the other side of the road, and hit the Acura head-on at an angle.
Two of the passengers suffered injuries, one with injuries believed to be serious. They were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. Stanley and the driver of the Acura suffered minor injuries and were taken to Turkey Creek Medical Center for treatment.
Councilmember Roberto formerly served as Knoxville's vice mayor between 2021 and 2023 and shared the news publicly on Monday, saying he and his family need time to process and grieve the loss.
"We lost our beautiful daughter Kylie Roberto last night in a tragic car accident. She was only 21. Kylie was exceptionally beautiful inside and out, the most kind and caring soul whose loss is unimaginable. Kylie brightened our lives and everyone that knew her, our hearts ache and she will be missed beyond measure. Thank you to all who have reached out. We need time to process and grieve and appreciate your kindness," he said.
Knoxville Communications Director Kristin Farley said the city is grieving with the Roberto family.
"We are all shocked and heartbroken for Andrew Roberto and his family. They have, understandably, asked for privacy during this difficult time. Mayor Kincannon and the entire administration are here to support them in any way possible," she said.