Two traffic fatalities identified

Chattanooga police have identified two people killed Wednesday in separate traffic accidents.

Mary Thornhill, 84, was killed on Brainerd Road when her Ford Taurus struck another vehicle, then slammed into a utility pole. She suffered massive head trauma and died on the way to the hospital, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Jerri Weary.

The condition of the other driver, 28-year-old Andreya Johnson, is unknown, Weary said.

Witnesses say Thornhill appeared to have been in distress prior to the crash. Just before impact, her vehicle accelerated, then struck Johnson's Dodge Stratus, which was in the emergency lane waiting to turn from Brainerd Road onto Tunnel Boulevard, the sergeant said.

About an hour later, James Stanfield Jr., 46, was killed when he swerved to avoid a dog that ran out onto Noah Reid Road and lost control of his Chevrolet Cavalier, Weary said.

His 21-year-old son, Dakota Stanfield, was also injured in the accident and suffered a broken left arm.

According to Dakota, he and his father were on their way to the store when the dog ran in front of their car. After swerving, the car left the roadway, crossed the opposing traffic lane and struck a large tree along the driver's side. It's believed the impact killed Stanfield instantly, Weary said.

Upcoming Events