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A fatal crash occurred Thursday evening on Mary Patton Highway (SR 362) near Big Springs Road involving two vehicles.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche driven by 47-year-old Thomas Whittington of North Carolina was traveling northbound when it crossed the double yellow center line and entered the southbound travel lane.

The driver of a 2016 Nissan Versa, 42-year-old John Hicks of Tennessee, attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to the right onto the shoulder. However, the Avalanche struck the Versa on the right shoulder in a head-on collision.

The impact caused the Avalanche to overturn several times before coming to a stop on the east side of the roadway. The Versa was spun counterclockwise, crossed into the northbound lane and hit a guardrail before coming to rest on the right shoulder.

Whittington was not wearing a seat belt and suffered fatal injuries. Hicks, who was also not wearing a seat belt, sustained injuries and was transported for medical treatment. Christina Presnell, a 53-year-old passenger in the Nissan, was not wearing a seat belt and also succumbed to fatal injuries.

No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.