KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Knoxville Police have charged a man in connection to a deadly hit-and-run crash from early 2025, while city leaders announce new safety improvements at the location where it happened.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, 51-year-old Chad Gibson of Sevierville has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of a crash. The charges stem from a February 3, 2025 incident on Walker Boulevard.
Police say officers responded to the scene and found 75-year-old Olivia Williams critically injured after being struck. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died on February 8, 2025.
In the wake of the crash, the City of Knoxville has secured funding to improve pedestrian safety in the area. City officials announced a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge grant for 2026 that will fund the installation of a raised crosswalk and flashing warning signs near Northgate Terrace, where the crash occurred.
The new features will build on additional signage and lighting upgrades already put in place in 2025.
City leaders say the improvements are part of Knoxville’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at reducing traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
“With help from this funding, this project will advance our efforts to make Knoxville a place where people of all ages can thrive,” said Vision Zero coordinator Cody Gentry.
Mayor Indya Kincannon also praised the investment, saying the project will make the area safer and more livable for residents.
City officials noted Knoxville was one of 750 communities selected for the grant out of more than 5,000 applicants nationwide.
