Driver Charged in Deadly Crash at Shannondale Assisted Living Facility in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, TN — June 14, 2025 — A tragic early morning crash at a Knoxville assisted living facility has resulted in the death of a 96-year-old resident and serious criminal charges for the driver involved. Knoxville Police Department (KPD) officials have confirmed that 24-year-old Eleasah Williams has been charged with Vehicular Homicide by Recklessness after allegedly crashing a KIA minivan into the Shannondale Assisted Living Facility at 7350 Middlebrook Pike.

According to authorities, the crash occurred around 5:15 a.m. on Saturday morning. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following reports that a vehicle had struck the side of the facility. Upon arrival, first responders discovered that the minivan had collided with part of the building that housed residential units.

Tragically, the impact of the crash claimed the life of a 96-year-old male resident. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet publicly released the victim’s name, pending notification of family members.

Williams, the driver of the minivan, was also injured in the crash but survived. She was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. KPD investigators worked quickly to determine the cause of the crash and soon after identified recklessness as a contributing factor.

After gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, authorities formally charged Williams with Vehicular Homicide with Recklessness. As of the latest update from KPD, she remains hospitalized under medical supervision. It is currently unknown when she will be booked into custody or arraigned.

The Knoxville Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash, including whether speed, impairment, or distraction may have played a role.

The Shannondale Assisted Living Facility, part of a larger senior living campus in West Knoxville, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. In a brief statement released to the press, facility administrators extended their condolences to the victim’s family and noted that they are fully cooperating with the police investigation.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of one of our beloved residents,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. The safety and well-being of our residents is always our highest priority, and we are working closely with local authorities to understand how this incident occurred.”

Neighbors and community members have responded with an outpouring of grief and concern. “This is heartbreaking,” said one local resident who lives nearby. “To think that someone lived a long, full life and then lost it in such a senseless way is just gut-wrenching.”

As the investigation continues, KPD encourages anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact their office. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of a life tragically cut short and awaits further developments in the legal proceedings against Eleasah Williams.