Five-Vehicle Wreck Kills One, Hurts Two on S Third St in Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN (October 17, 2026) – A woman was killed, and two other people were injured in a five-vehicle crash on South Third Street near West Levi Road in Memphis on Wednesday afternoon, October 14.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers tried to stop a vehicle near West Shelby Drive and South Third Street. The driver fled, leading to a pursuit. Near West Levi Road, the fleeing vehicle struck four other vehicles.

A female passenger was ejected and pronounced dead at the crash site. The fleeing driver was hospitalized in critical condition. Another person was also injured in the collision.

The fleeing driver currently faces a vehicular manslaughter charge.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the woman who died.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Memphis, TN?

In Memphis, a surviving spouse generally has the first right to file a wrongful death claim. If there is no eligible spouse, the deceased person's children or next of kin may bring the claim under Tennessee law.

When a personal representative files the claim, an executor or administrator brings the lawsuit for the benefit of those legally entitled to recover. Filing the case does not automatically entitle the representative to a share of the compensation.

To support a wrongful death claim, crash reports, photographs, available video footage, and witness accounts can help show what happened. Financial records can also document the income and support the family lost because of the death.

Depending on the family's losses, compensation may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, lost companionship, and other damages allowed under Tennessee law. What a family can recover depends on its circumstances and the facts of the case.

In Tennessee, a wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within one year after the injury that caused the death, although exceptions may apply. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent a family from pursuing compensation through the courts.

When questions arise about who has the right to file, a wrongful death lawyer can review the family's circumstances and explain who may bring the claim. An attorney can also prepare the necessary paperwork and guide your family through the claims process.

At Fox & Farmer, we help families across Tennessee understand their legal options after fatal accidents. We take time to listen to their concerns and provide guidance throughout the claims process.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash in Memphis, contact Fox & Farmer at (865) 531-9400. We can discuss your family's circumstances, answer your questions, and explain the legal options available to you.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fox & Farmer has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fox & Farmer so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fox & Farmer. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.