CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — A 13-year-old Middle Tennessee child died after a crash in Cumberland County over the weekend while returning home from a day out in Sevier County.
Crossville police responded to the crash around 1 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Highway 70 North and Northside Drive.
According to the crash report from the Crossville Police Department, a van carrying two adults and three teens was driving on Northside Drive when it came to a flashing red light at the intersection of Highway 70. The 32-year-old driver of the van told police that he didn't see anyone coming so he didn't stop at the flashing light, according to the police report.
A pickup truck driving on Highway 70 then hit the van on its right side as it crossed the intersection, sending the van off the road.
Police said the truck driver and two passengers told them they were OK when they arrived, but one of the passengers said they had some knee pain. Police then spoke to people in the van.
According to police, a 13-year-old passenger in the van, Aidan Linville, told them he "was in a lot of pain" after the crash. The officer said they noticed an abrasion on the teen's left shoulder down to his chest from the seatbelt. Linville told the responding officer that his head hurt before EMS and fire crews arrived.
An ambulance took Linville to Cumberland County Medical Center. He was later transferred to University of Tennessee Medical Center. The Knox County Regional Forensics Center contacted police later Sunday to inform them Linville had died in the hospital.
Another 15-year-old in the van was taken to the Cumberland County Medical Center for minor injuries after he said his knee was scraped up and sore.
Police said they are still investigating the crash.
A GoFundMe page was set up for Aidan Linville. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, it had raised nearly $10,000 for his family.
According to Ahsley Brandes, Linville was from White County and was heading home from "an epic day at Dollywood."
"Aidan was a vibrant soul who cherished his family, his church family, his Boy Scout friends, and his school friends. He touched so many lives with his kindness, laughter, and adventurous spirit. His sudden passing has left his family heartbroken and facing many unexpected and difficult decisions," Brandes said.
