News Summary
A Memphis man has been charged with vehicular homicide after a crash on Interstate 40 resulted in the deaths of a mother and her two sons. Robert Carmack, 25, was driving recklessly when he collided with the victims’ vehicle, dragging it for yards before it caught fire. The incident involved multiple vehicles and has raised safety concerns among residents as the holidays approach. The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of the Cannady family.
Memphis – A 25-year-old man, Robert Carmack, has been charged with vehicular homicide and several other offenses following a devastating crash on Interstate 40 that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her two sons. The incident unfolded on May 31, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m. when Carmack, driving a black 2022 Ford F350 at a high rate of speed, crashed into the vehicle occupied by Tonya Cannady and her children, Barry and Scot Cannady, at the intersection of I-40 West and Hollywood Avenue.
The violent impact of the crash dragged Cannady’s Honda for approximately 50 yards before it caught fire, tragically leading to the deaths of all three occupants inside. Emergency responders pronounced Tonya Cannady and her sons dead at the scene. Additionally, another driver who was involved in the multiple-vehicle incident sustained non-critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Carmack faces multiple charges including vehicular homicide-reckless, aggravated assault, and reckless driving. Reports indicate he failed to heed a flashing alert from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) which warned of an upcoming construction zone, ultimately contributing to the severity of the crash.
The collision prompted a chain reaction involving a total of five vehicles, further complicating the emergency response and ongoing investigation handled by the Memphis Police Department (MPD). According to MPD officials, investigations regarding traffic crashes involving police vehicles are progressing, with over 179 such incidents recorded in 2025 alone.
This tragic event has ignited safety concerns among local residents, particularly as the Fourth of July holiday approaches, which typically sees a significant increase in vehicle traffic in the area. Many individuals are calling for a review of safety measures along major roadways to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As holiday traffic is anticipated to surge, the weather forecast for July 3, 2025, suggests temperatures in Memphis will reach a high of 91°F, with mixed sunshine and clouds expected. This increase in road activity is prompting authorities to remind drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to speed limits, especially in construction zones where road conditions may change rapidly.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the potentially devastating consequences of recklessness behind the wheel. As the community mourns the loss of the Cannady family, the ongoing investigation aims to ensure accountability and enhance road safety for all drivers.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Vehicular homicide
- WREG News
- Google Search: Memphis car crash
- Commercial Appeal
- Google Scholar: Traffic safety
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car accident safety
- WREG News – Cooper-Young Incident
- Google News: Memphis car accidents
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF 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.
