Cumberland County firefighters are mourning the loss of one of their own after a volunteer firefighter and first responder was killed in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning.
James Gayheart, 33, of Crossville was killed after his 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle left the roadway near the 2804 block of Glade Creek Rd. in Putnam County, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper William Looper, who investigated the crash.
The accident occurred around 12:34 a.m. Sunday.
Gayheart “was traveling northbound on Glade Creek Rd. and attempted to pass another vehicle and lost control and left the roadway to the left side and entered the ditch, striking a fence. The vehicle then began to roll over, ejecting the driver onto the roadway with the vehicle,” Trooper Looper’s report states.
Trevor Kerley, Cumberland County fire chief, said, “He was a good boy. He was self employed and was dedicated to the fire department and his community. He worked in the Mayland District, was in the first responder program and did anything we would ask him to do. He will be well missed. It’s just a sad situation. He leaves four children behind. Of course, once we learn about the arrangements we will honor him and do the full honor guard (for his service). All I can say is to keep the family in your prayers. He was a dedicated firefighter and doing all he could do for his community.”
Gary Nelson may be reached at [email protected]
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