Yesterday evening at approximately 8:29 p.m., Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office was sent to 6400 Snow Hill Road on a traffic crash. When deputies arrived on the scene and due to the severity of the crash, a Traffic Investigator was requested to respond.

The initial investigation shows that Duane Aaron Ingram age 38 of Ooltewah was driving a 1999 Ford F-250 truck w/ trailer north bound on Snow Hill Road, while Matthew Abel Hargrove age 20, of Benton, Tennessee, driving a Ford F-150 truck was south bound on Snow Hill Road. It appears that Mr. Hargrove crossed the center line while negotiating the curve and sideswiped the truck driven by Mr. Ingram then hitting the trailer being pulled. Mr. Hargrove was partially ejected from his vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt. The truck caught fire and emergency personnel removed the victim from the burning vehicle.

Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services was on the scene to provide medical attention to both victims. Due to the severity of the injuries sustained in the crash, Mr. Hargrove was pronounced dead and transported to the Hamilton County Forensic Center.

The investigation is on-going and being handled by Sgt. Mark Kimsey, Traffic Division of the HCSO.