CLEVELAND, TN : A single vehicle crash in Bradley County on Monday, August 28, 2017

A Maryville College women’s basketball player was killed in a single vehicle crash early morning in Bradley County.

A report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol says Brittany Johnson, 21, was going southbound on Interstate 75 around 4:30 a.m. near mile marker 30 when she ran off the road, went over the shoulder and into the grass. The car hit a chain link fence and several trees before stopping in the eastbound lane of Hooper Gap Road.Johnson was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The report says she was not wearing a seat belt and it may have saved her life. The cause of the crash is not known. Drug and alcohol tests are still pending.

“Brittany was a vivacious member of our campus community. She was also a strong contributor to our women’s basketball team, seeing significant playing time on the court. She had an infectious smile, one she shared widely in and out of the gym,” said Dr. Melanie V. Tucker, the College’s vice president and dean of students. “Brittany was also a beloved friend, daughter and sister. So, our loss is felt beyond the campus and into the surrounding community. I ask that you send your thoughts and prayers to Brittany’s family and friends during this heartbreaking time.”

Maryville College says Johnson was from Louisville and graduated William Blount High School in 2014. She was a starter for the college’s basketball team and majored in physical education.

“She was so looking forward to playing this year and playing with this team,” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Darrin Travillian. “That’s part of the tragedy; we won’t have that opportunity.”During her three years on the women’s basketball team, Johnson played in 67 games.

“We’ll miss her smile, her spark, her energy,” said Travillian. “During her time as a freshman, she was the loudest supporter from the bench and when she got to play, she brought that attitude to the floor. She was focused on everyone doing well, everyone performing at a high level. She loved the competition of basketball.”

There will be a prayer service at Maryville College Wednesday at noon in Humphreys Court.

Source :
Maryville College women’s basketball player killed in car crash