In a tragic turn of events, the Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Okie Duane Slone was hit and killed by a vehicle in Dandridge, Jefferson County. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, when Judge Slone, known for his contributions to fighting substance abuse in Tennessee courts, was struck while walking along Highway 25/70. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported no charges are pending against the driver, acknowledging the unfortunate situation of the judge stepping into the road before the collision.
According to WVLT, the accident happened near Mountain Vista Trail around 1:30 a.m. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey provided additional details, indicating the judge had experienced a flat tire, which led to him walking on the side of the road. The THP preliminary report noted Slone was walking eastbound when he entered the path of an oncoming 2010 Ford Fusion.
Since his election to the bench in 1998, Judge Slone has made a significant impact within the community and beyond. He was recognized for co-founding the Drug Recovery Court in his judicial district and was heavily involved in various initiatives to combat opioid addiction. His efforts extended to serving as Chairman of the 8 State Appalachian-Midwest Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative and the Tennessee Judicial Conference Problem Solving Court Committee, as stated on the Tennessee Courts website and backed by the WATE coverage of the incident.
The community and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow over Judge Slone's untimely death. State Rep. Jeremy Faison reflected on Slone's legacy, “My heart is crushed. Judge Slone had a massive heart for people that came to his courtroom. He literally put “drug courts” on the map for TN. He will forever be missed and his contribution to substance abuse will be felt for generations,” he told WATE. The Judge was also honored with the National Center for State Courts' award for judicial excellence, one of the highest recognitions in the field, as noted in a social media post by retired Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee, reported by WBIR.
Local law enforcement and community members have joined in extending their condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Judge Slone. The Sevier County Sheriff, Cocke County Sheriff's Office, and Dandridge Police Department released statements mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who was crucial in judicial reform and justice in the community.
