Joyce Frey Killed in Blount County Hit-and-Run Accident
A Maryville man has been arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death
Joyce Frey, 70, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Old Niles Ferry Road in Blount County, Tennessee, on June 25, according to authorities.
Harold E. McLemore, 86, of Maryville, was arrested Wednesday and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He was booked into the Blount County Correctional Facility and released on his own recognizance with his driving privileges revoked.
Investigators previously located a black or dark blue newer model GMC full-size pickup truck believed to be involved in the collision. Detectives interviewed a person of interest before securing the arrest warrant.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in Blount County General Sessions Court on July 13.
The crash remains under investigation.
The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run leaves families grappling with deep grief and unanswered questions. While the criminal justice system holds fleeing drivers accountable through charges and court proceedings, a parallel civil process exists to address the deep impact on the victim's family.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Modern vehicles store data about speed, braking, and steering leading to a collision, information valuable once a suspect vehicle gets located. Even after a driver flees, digital records stored inside a vehicle rarely lie, revealing details a driver might try to hide."
"A legal team works to obtain and preserve electronic data quickly, before repairs or resets erase the record," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How does a criminal arrest impact a Blount County hit-and-run investigation?
When a suspect is identified and charged, as in this case, the evidence gathered by law enforcement—including vehicle damage, witness statements, and suspect interviews—can become important in subsequent legal actions.
According to recent analysis, Tennessee ranks as the third worst state in the U.S. for hit-and-run accidents, making thorough investigations essential for community safety.
What are the legal options for families of bicycle accident victims?
Beyond criminal penalties like revoked driving privileges and potential incarceration, families of victims killed by fleeing drivers often seek justice through civil courts. Individuals involved in hit-and-run incidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Tennessee wrongful death statute
Under Tenn. Code § 20-5-106, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Tennessee applies modified comparative fault (50% bar). The statute of limitations is 1 year.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.
"Uninsured motorist coverage exists for situations involving unidentified drivers, yet insurers resist honoring valid claims tied to fatal cycling collisions. Experienced legal counsel pushes through resistance and works toward fair compensation for grieving families," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.