Hamilton County — Deputy Landon Faulkner, 24, of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, was killed after a violent crash on Highway 111 near Sequatchie County. He was driving southbound on Wednesday evening when his vehicle struck a disabled car stopped in the travel lane.
Faulkner was operating a 2020 Ford Explorer at the time of the collision. The impact caused severe and life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The news hit hard across Hamilton County. Colleagues described the loss as sudden and deeply painful. Faulkner was seen as a young deputy with strong promise and commitment to public service.
He began his law enforcement journey after serving in Grundy County. He later joined the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in 2022 after completing the Knoxville Police Department Explorer Cadet Program.
Those who worked with him remembered his steady presence and willingness to serve. His death left a noticeable gap in the department and in the community he protected.
Authorities confirmed that Faulkner was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The other driver, a 61-year-old man, was not injured.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. No charges have been filed, and officials say the case remains open as they work to understand exactly what happened on that stretch of highway.
