RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. - A tragic crash involving a pedestrian forced the complete shutdown of Interstate 840 in Rutherford County late Friday night (May 15, 2026) and into the early morning hours on Saturday, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The fatal incident occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. near mile marker 59 on I-840 West, between the exits for Sulphur Springs Road and Jefferson Pike, or the State Route 266 interchange.

Initial reports indicate a pedestrian was struck on the interstate, prompting officials to close the roadway in both directions for several hours as emergency crews and investigators worked the scene. TDOT’s SmartWay traffic map first reported the crash just after 9:30 p.m. Friday night. Motorists traveling through the area encountered major delays as traffic was diverted away from the interstate during the overnight closure.

At this time, officials have not released the identity of the pedestrian or additional details surrounding the circumstances that led to the deadly crash. 

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is expected to lead the investigation into the incident. Drivers were urged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area while crews cleared the scene and completed their investigation.