CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — I-26 West near the Okolona Road exit in Carter County is open again on Tuesday after police found a body lying in the roadway, according to a spokesperson with the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD).
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) originally reported a multi-vehicle crash. JCPD confirmed that no crash occurred.
JCPD’s Lt. Scotty Carrier told News Channel 11 that police received a call at 6:57 a.m. that something was lying on the shoulder of the road. At the scene, investigators found a body.
An investigation determined that the body belonged to a pedestrian believed to have been hit while walking along the edge of the westbound lanes on the interstate.
Police are waiting for a medical examiner to identify the body, and westbound lanes were closed until around 1 p.m.
Police do not have a vehicle description or witnesses at this time pertaining to the case.
Those driving from the eastbound lanes on I-26 are asked to drive with caution as investigators remain at the scene.
Responding agencies include the Johnson City Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol.
No further details have been released at this time. News Channel 11 has a crew at the scene and will provide updates as we receive them.
