KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The man whose vehicle crossed the median on I-40 earlier this month, injuring himself and a family of four, has died.
Oliver Butler, 64, of Rockwood, died at University of Tennessee Medical Center on Saturday.
Investigators said Butler was driving west in his GMC van when he swerved
suddenly and hit the median.
His car then became airborne and landed on top of a 2005 Mercedes SUV traveling eastbound with a family of four inside.
The van then overturned and caught fire.
Witnesses pulled Butler out of the burning van
and said they could smell alcohol coming off of him. Officers also found
multiple beer cars inside and outside of the van.
The driver of the SUV, Michelle Whittlet, 37, and passengers Bryan
Whittlet, 42, Megan Whittlet, 9, and Luke Whittlet, 8, all of
Simpsonville, Ky, as well as Butler were all taken to the University of Tennessee Medical
Center for their injuries.
The current conditions of the family members are not known.
Oliver Butler (Source: Roane County Sheriff's Office)
