Greene County, TN (Aug. 9, 2026) — A man was killed and a passenger seriously injured Sunday afternoon after a vehicle overturned on Interstate 81 in Greene County and the other driver fled, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
A grey Nissan Murano traveling southbound swerved into the lane of a white bobtail semi-truck near mile marker 18 shortly after 1 p.m. The Murano’s front right tire struck the left rear tire of the truck, causing the Murano to go airborne, overturn multiple times, and come to rest on the left shoulder.
Driver Lee Vaughn, 74, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center with serious injuries.
The truck’s driver briefly inspected his vehicle before fleeing the scene and faces potential charges. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is seeking public tips and asks anyone with information to come forward.
