A Tennessee family is reeling from a heartbreaking crash that claimed the lives of 23-year-old Lane Smith and his young son, Sawyer, on May 11, 2025. Lane’s wife, Baleigh, and their daughter, Brynlee, were also critically injured in the fiery multi-vehicle collision on I-75 in East Ridge. The family had been returning home from Brynlee’s dance competition when the accident occurred.
First responders and heroic bystanders rushed to the scene, pulling victims from the wreckage and battling flames until help arrived. Among them was Larissa Collett, a nurse who leapt into action despite the danger. Witnesses described a chaotic but courageous rescue effort, crediting good Samaritans with saving lives in those vital early minutes.
Tragically, young Sawyer succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Brynlee was airlifted to Nashville and remains in recovery alongside her mother. The driver of the tractor-trailer involved, 65-year-old Joseph Antoinier, has been charged with multiple counts including reckless homicide and assault after surveillance footage revealed reckless driving behavior prior to the crash.
In response, the community has rallied around the surviving family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $85,000 to help cover funeral and medical expenses. Loved ones continue to share memories and tributes online, while local businesses host fundraisers to support Baleigh and Brynlee as they begin a long and painful road to healing.
