On December 1, at 8:02 a.m. along Highway 72, a car accident resulted in the death of 17 year old Bentley Buchanan.
According to the preliminary report from Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), vehicle one driven by Buchanan was traveling east on Highway 72 and vehicle two driven by 34 year old Melody Roach, was traveling west on the same roadway. The passenger in vehicle two has been identified as 34 year old Dominique Garrett. All three parties are listed as having worn their seatbelts.
Furthermore THP notates, vehicle one lost control and slid across the roadway into the westbound lanes striking vehicle two. Neither Roach nor Garrett were seriously injured.
Devastated community members showed their support for the Buchanan family with numerous Facebook posts and comments. Marion County High School (MCHS), where Buchanan was a senior and volleyball and basketball player, posted their statement to their Facebook page, “We send out love, prayers, and condolences to all of those impacted by this tragedy.”
On Saturday, December 2, MCHS held a vigil opening the gym for students and the community to process their grief and support each other. Counselors, school officials, and ministers were available and spoke to everyone who asked for help. Finally, the school stated, “Please remember her family and friends as they try to find their way through this difficult time.”
Students, MCHS faculty, community members and more gathered with Buchanan’s family to honor her memory with a funeral service at the school gymnasium on December 4.
The Marion Tribune – December 7, 2023
