Memphis, Tennessee, December 24, 2025
A tragic, multi-vehicle collision on Highway 385 westbound resulted in one fatality and four injuries. The incident unfolded early Sunday morning, involving five vehicles and a pedestrian, prompting a thorough investigation by the Memphis Police Department. All lanes were closed for several hours while authorities worked to ensure public safety and determine the cause of the accident.
Memphis, Tennessee
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Collision on Highway 385 Under Investigation
The Memphis Police Department is investigating a fatal multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 385 westbound, just past Riverdale Road, at approximately 1:05 a.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The incident involved five vehicles and resulted in one fatality and four injuries.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- Initial Collision: Two vehicles collided, rendering them disabled on the roadway.
- Subsequent Impact: A third vehicle approached and struck one of the disabled vehicles from the initial collision.
- Avoidance Maneuvers: Two additional vehicles attempted to evade the earlier crashes, leading to a collision between them.
- Pedestrian Fatality: A pedestrian, who had exited one of the disabled vehicles, was struck by one of the evading vehicles and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Injuries: Four individuals were transported to local hospitals with non-critical injuries.
Investigation and Roadway Conditions
The Memphis Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. All lanes near the incident site were closed for several hours to facilitate the investigation and ensure public safety. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Background Context
Highway 385, also known as the Bill Morris Parkway, is a major east-west route in the Memphis area, connecting various neighborhoods and serving as a primary thoroughfare for commuters and freight traffic. Multi-vehicle collisions on such highways can lead to significant traffic disruptions and pose challenges for emergency response teams.
Safety Reminders
Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, adhere to posted speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance, especially during adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic. Prompt reporting of accidents and cooperation with law enforcement can aid in swift investigations and the restoration of normal traffic flow.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Highway 385 westbound, near Riverdale Road, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Date and Time | Sunday, August 10, 2025, at approximately 1:05 a.m. |
| Vehicles Involved | Five vehicles |
| Fatalities | One |
| Injuries | Four (non-critical) |
| Investigation | Memphis Police Department |
| Road Closures | All lanes near the incident site were closed for several hours |
| Identity of Deceased | Not released pending notification of next of kin |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the multi-vehicle collision on Highway 385?
The collision involved five vehicles and resulted in one fatality and four injuries. The sequence included initial and subsequent collisions, avoidance maneuvers, and a pedestrian fatality.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Memphis Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Were there any road closures due to the accident?
Yes, all lanes near the incident site were closed for several hours to facilitate the investigation and ensure public safety.
Has the identity of the deceased been released?
No, the identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
What is Highway 385?
Highway 385, also known as the Bill Morris Parkway, is a major east-west route in the Memphis area, connecting various neighborhoods and serving as a primary thoroughfare for commuters and freight traffic.
What safety measures should drivers take on highways?
Drivers should exercise caution, adhere to posted speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance, especially during adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic.
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
