63-year-old dies in crash

 A 63-year-old Sparta woman died in a Sept. 19 crash at U.S. 70 and Tucker Reed Lane, in White County.

According to a report from Tennessee Highway Patrol, Patrick H. Flaherty, 56, was driving a 2012 Buick Lacrosse and traveling westbound on U.S. 70 (Smithville Highway) around Tucker Reed Lane. Flaherty reportedly crossed in the eastbound lane and struck a 2005 Dodge Dakota driven by 63-year-old Bridgette A. Rice who was traveling eastbound. Both vehicles came to a final rest on the roadway of U.S. 70 and Tucker Reed Lane.

Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. Charges are pending for Flaherty.

Both drivers were transported to Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital, in Sparta. Rice succumbed to her injuries. Flaherty was flown to Vanderbilt Hospital, in Nashville.