THP: Alcohol Involved in Multi-Vehicle Accident that Killed Motorcyclist

The driver of a pickup had allegedly been drinking when he crossed the yellow line on Asheville Highway in Sevier County late Wednesday night and triggered a multi-vehicle accident that left a motorcyclist dead.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says a Dodge pickup driven by 27-year-old Justin Burdette, of Knoxville, was traveling eastbound on Asheville Highway near the intersection of King Drive when it came over into the oncoming lane and hit the mirror of another pickup at about 11:45 p.m. on July 19, 2017.

Burdette’s pickup then struck the rear of a Yamaha motorcycle, causing it to run off the road and throwing 34-year-old Robert Galyon, of Sevierville, from from bike. Burdette and a fourth vehicle ran over Galyon, who was killed. A fifth vehicle was hit with debris. Burdette fled the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The accident report did not state how officers located Burdette, but noted that he had been drinking. Officers requested drug and alcohol testing from Burdette, Galyon, the driver of the vehicle Burdette first hit, and the driver of the fourth vehicle. Charges against Burdette are pending.