The Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - An off-duty state trooper and his passenger were killed when their car drifted into the oncoming lane and struck another vehicle, police said.
Steven R. Chapman, 50, and passenger Lin D. Poulson, 39, were southbound on Highway 109 in Lebanon around 9 p.m. Tuesday when they went over into the northbound lane and hit a sports utility vehicle driven by 67-year-old Raymond E. Woodson.
Chapman and Poulson were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Billy Weeks, spokesman for the Lebanon police and fire departments.
Woodson is listed in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Weeks said authorities are investigating to see why Chapman’s car drifted into the other lane.
Chapman, a seven-year veteran, was assigned to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s executive security detail.
“I was very, very saddened to hear that,” Gov. Phil Bredesen said. “He was a good man. I enjoyed being with him very much. He was someone who gave a terrific career to the state, who was a personal friend to me, and I regret his death very much.”
Lebanon is about 25 miles east of Nashville.