MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A devastating four-vehicle crash on Interstate 840 claimed the life of 16-year-old Kyler Matthew Gatica on October 12, 2024. The wreck occurred between the I-24 exit and the NW Broad Street (Highway 41) exit, as the family was returning home to Mt. Juliet from a trip to Florida.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash happened on I-840 East as the vehicles approached traffic congestion. A Nissan Juke, driven by 27-year-old Breanna Bishop, rear-ended a Nissan Altima, where Kyler was a passenger. The impact pushed the Altima into the back of a Toyota Corolla, further compounding the chain reaction. A GMC Yukon swerved onto the shoulder in an attempt to avoid the wreck, but the Corolla collided with its side.
Kyler, riding with his parents, Matthew and Stephanie Gatica, was tragically killed when the Altima was crushed between the Juke and Corolla. His parents sustained injuries in the crash but survived. The driver of the Juke, Bishop, also suffered injuries. Fortunately, the occupants of the Toyota Corolla and GMC Yukon did not sustain serious injuries.
The Gatica family was en route to Mt. Juliet at the time of the accident. Kyler, a student at Mt. Juliet High School, was known for his athletic talents in volleyball and basketball. Funeral services were held Monday to honor his memory.
Authorities have confirmed that no charges will be filed in the incident.
