October 29, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
A 41 year old Smithville man lost his life in a two car crash Thursday morning on Dale Ridge Road (Highway 96) near Jones Lane.
Dead is Bryan E. Clark.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Clark was traveling south in a yellow 2003 Toyota Celica when he crossed into the oncoming lane while negotiating a right curve and struck a northbound maroon 2010 Dodge Avenger driven by 33 year old Echo M. Hicks of Sparta. 38 year old Virgil Willis of Brush Creek was a passenger with Hicks.
Clark, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Hicks suffered non-incapacitating injuries. Willis was not hurt. Both Hicks and Willis had their seatbelts on at the time of the crash.
Trooper Troy Withers of the Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted the investigation assisted by Trooper Jonathon Burke and Trooper Dylan Palmer.
Clarkâs death marks the 6th traffic fatality of the year in DeKalb County.