Eric Wertenberger, 72, Killed In Head-On Crash On East Brainerd Road

  • Saturday, December 30, 2017

A 72-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle crash on East Brainerd Road on Saturday morning.

The victim was identified as Eric Wertenberger.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a serious injury crash with entrapment at 8400 East Brainerd Road. The Traffic Division responded to the scene. 

A 2009 Buick Lacrosse occupied by Mr. Wertenberger as a passenger was traveling west on E Brainerd Road in the left lane.

A 2017 Jeep Patriot was traveling east on E. Brainerd Road in the left lane. The Buick made a left turn from E. Brainerd Road to Givens Road in front of the Jeep.

The Buick struck the Jeep head-on while making the turn and caught fire as a result of the crash.

An off-duty Chattanooga Police officer was near the scene and assisted in removing and rendering aid to the occupants of the Buick.

Mr. Wertenberger was taken by Hamilton County EMS to a local hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. He later succumbed to those injuries at the hospital.

The driver of the Buick had minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS.

The driver of the Jeep was taken by personal vehicle to a local hospital with minor injuries.

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