Driver of Logging Truck Charged After Toddler Killed in Rutherford County Crash

UPDATED: Rutherford County, TN – A man is facing felony charges following a tragic accident that occurred late last week on the 6300 block of Couchville Pike—an incident that claimed the life of 2-year-old Jeremiah White and left his parents seriously injured. Authorities believe the fatal crash was caused by an extendable lifting arm attached to a logging truck that swung loose while the truck was traveling down the Rutherford County roadway shortly after 9 p.m. on Thursday night (10/10/2024).

The truck, identified as a 2013 Freightliner GPI, was allegedly driven by 61-year-old Christopher B. Holloway. According to the preliminary report filed by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), "Unit 1, a logging truck, was traveling west on Couchville Pike with an improperly secured boom." The report further stated that the boom swung into oncoming traffic, striking the front of a 2014 Nissan Versa traveling eastbound.

After the 4-door sedan was struck, the driver lost control and the car rolled to rest in a private driveway. Tragically, the impact of the logging boom claimed the life of the 2-year-old boy, who was a passenger in the car (Nissan Versa).

Authorities confirmed that 21-year-old Navaeh L. Payne, the driver of the Nissan, and 25-year-old Deqwuan White, the passenger, both sustained serious injuries and were transported to a Middle Tennessee area hospital, where they remain at this time. The couple are the parents of the child who was killed in the incident and their current conditions have not been disclosed.

Rutherford County Court records indicate that felony charges have been filed against Holloway, a Mt. Juliet resident identified as the driver of the logging truck. The charges include one count of Vehicular Homicide, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and one count of Tampering with Evidence. A hearing is scheduled for December 13, 2024, at 8:32 a.m. in the Rutherford County courtroom of Judge Ben Bennett. The suspect is currently free on bond.

A GoFundMe account has been set-up for the family. On that page, a family member wrote, “Hello, I am Rochell, the grandmother of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was killed by a drunk driver on October 10, 2024. He was only 2 years old. His parents were in the car with him and are currently being treated in the ICU. The father of my grandson which is my son, barely escaped with his life and has sustained spinal injuries. His mother was badly injured and required facial surgery. They currently have a 3-month-old baby that is in my care. I kindly ask for donations for our family. These funds may be used for expenses of the victims and the surviving babies care until her parents are able bodied enough. These funds may also be used for any funeral expenses that will occur. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers and thank you in advance. The funeral date has not been chosen as of yet due to the mom still being in ICU, sadly my son will not be able to attend. He will be in ICU for an unknown amount of time. But, the funeral will be held at Terrell Brody funeral home on Clarksville Hwy. within the next couple of weeks.”

• Click Here to visit the fundraising page. 

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