BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — A tragic crash on Interstate 75 in Bradley County on Monday, July 14, 2025, claimed the lives of two young children and left a community shaken, authorities said.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that 22-year-old Emily N. Shaver of Cleveland, Tennessee, was driving a Honda Odyssey with her two children when a tire blowout caused her to lose control of the vehicle. The car veered into the southbound lanes and collided head-on with another vehicle, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving a third vehicle.

Shaver’s son died at the scene, while her daughter succumbed to injuries two days later, according to the Highway Patrol. The driver of one of the other vehicles sustained injuries but survived.

Following the incident, authorities discovered marijuana in Shaver’s vehicle. She was arrested and faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, and child restraint violations.

“This is an incredibly tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families,” said a spokesperson for the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “Crashes like this are preventable, and we urge all drivers to maintain vehicle safety and avoid impaired driving.”

Community members expressed shock and grief over the incident. “It’s heartbreaking to hear about such a young family lost in this way,” said one local resident.

Shaver is currently in custody at the Bradley County Detention Center, and her legal proceedings are ongoing. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.