Update on last week’s Tragic Helicopter Crash

August 29, 2022

The TBI has released new details regarding a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two law enforcement officers, THP Sgt. Lee Russell and Marion County Detective Matt Blansett.

Officials with the TBI say the two men were working normal operation for the Governor’s Task Force on Marijuana Eradication, but as they were flying officials asked them to search for a missing person.

The National Transportation Safety Board says the Bell 206 helicopter hit a power line near I-24 and crashed in a wooded area of Aetna Mountain near the Whiteside community.

Lucky Knott

One of Southern Tennessee's most experienced and recognized news broadcasters and play-by-play sportscasters. News and Sports Director for Rooster 101.5 FM, 93.9 The Duck and Whiskey Country 105.1, and 95.9. He is currently the play-by-play voice of the Coffee County Red Raiders (31 years) on The Rooster 101.5 and can be heard M-F broadcasting our local news. Lucky has done play-by-play for 3,993 (and counting) sports events on Radio & TV. He also served four years as the Public Information Officer for the Coffee Co. Sheriff's Dept. and taught Radio/TV for six years at Grundy County High School.