Aidan Linville, 13, was killed in a crash on the way home from Dollywood in Tennessee on Aug. 18, officials and loved ones say. Screen grab from GoFundMe
A 13-year-old boy was killed in a car crash following a trip to an amusement park in Tennessee, family members told news outlets. Officers responded to the collision around 1 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at an intersection in Crossville, the Crossville Police Department told WBIR.
Aidan Linville was on the way back to Sparta from a day at Dollywood, loved ones told WVLT. Holly Kemmerly, Aidan’s grandmother, said in a Facebook post that he was with his church youth group. A crash report from the Crossville Police Department obtained by WBIR said the driver of a van carrying two adults and three teens, including Aidan, did not stop at a flashing red light at the intersection of Highway 70. The driver of the van told police he didn’t see anyone coming, the report said, according to WBIR. A pickup truck then collided with the van, sending it off the road, officials said.
The truck driver and two passengers said they were not seriously hurt, but Aidan and another teen in the van were taken to the Cumberland Medical Center, officials told WBIR. The other teen had minor injuries. Aidan was transferred to University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, according to a statement from family members on Facebook. “That boy cherished his family. He loved spending time with his church family and youth group, Boy Scout friends and school friends,” the family said. “He was in fact a vibrant soul.”
Tyler Brandes, leader of Aidan’s Boy Scout troop in Sparta, told McClatchy News that the teen helped his dad, who lost his arm in an industrial accident. He described Aidan as a “typical 13-year-old boy” who loved Marvel comics and playing outside on his uncle’s farm. Kemmerly thanked those who had reached out to support the family. “We appreciate all the prayers that everyone is sending. Our family is hurting,” Kemmerly said in the post.
A GoFundMe page was started by Brandes’ wife, Ashley, to help Aidan’s family with medical expenses, funeral arrangements and other costs. “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,” the GoFundMe said of Aidan. The crash remains under investigation, WVLT reported.
Crossville is about about 70-mile drive west of Knoxville and about a 100-mile drive northwest of Dollywood, which is in Pigeon Forge.
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Erin Browne, the talented author of The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood joined Gino D today on The Afternoon Show. Her book is a deep dive into the enchanting world of Dollywood — a unique theme park where amusement park thrills blend seamlessly with the rich traditions of the Smoky Mountains, all under the warm and whimsical spirit of its owner, Dolly Parton.
In The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood, is now available wherever books are sold, Erin Browne takes you on an in-depth journey through this beloved destination, curated specifically for fans of Dolly Parton and all who appreciate the magic of Dollywood. This unofficial guide is your essential companion, offering 100 must-try restaurants, iconic rides, and noteworthy landmarks that are often overlooked. With insider tips and tricks, Browne ensures that both seasoned visitors and first-timers can maximize their experience in this vibrant landscape.
Have you ever wanted to challenge yourself on the Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest wooden launch coaster? Or perhaps you’re eager to step inside the iconic Dolly’s $750,000 tour bus, which served as her home during years of touring and is showcased in the Adventures in Imagination section. History enthusiasts will marvel at the Dollywood Express, which not only provides a breathtaking five-mile ride through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains but also has a storied place in American wartime history.
With Erin Browne’s expert guidance, you’ll uncover fascinating tales, like the origins of Red’s Drive-In, where Dolly Parton herself dined on her first hamburger. This guide not only celebrates the attractions but also connects you with the vibrant legacy of one of America’s most beloved icons.
Whether you’re a lifelong Dolly fan or venturing to Dollywood for the first time, join Gino D and click below as he chats with Erin Browne and discovers the hidden gems that await you at this magical park.
Don’t miss out—get your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood today, and get ready for a wonderful adventure!
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