Madisonville, TN : 7-year-old Athens boy died of injuries in a car crash in Monroe County on Sunday night, February 1, 2015

A McMinn County man is facing criminal charges in connection with a fiery traffic crash that killed his 7-year-old son and injured his 9-year-old son, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Luke Shumate died Tuesday morning at the University of Tennessee Medical Center from injuries he suffered in the Sunday evening crash along state Highway 307 in Monroe County, a THP incident report states.

Neither Luke, nor his brother, Jake Shumate, were properly restrained when the 2006 Chrysler Town & Country van they were passengers in crossed the centerline, careened off the roadway, struck a tree and caught fire, the report reads.

Their father, 31-year-old Raymond Shumate, of Athens, Tenn., who was behind the wheel, also was injured in the crash.

The conditions of survivors were not immediately available Tuesday evening.

Investigating Trooper Bryan Martin found evidence of alcohol and drug use by the driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, either.

In Martin’s opinion, seat belts would have made a difference for all three occupants.


Source :
7-year-old Athens boy dies after Sunday crash