KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Knox County District Attorney’s Office said a man who killed his passenger in a crash while drunk in June 2023 has been sentenced.

According to District Attorney Charme Allen, Timothy Hooks, 24, was found guilty of vehicular manslaughter and reckless endangerment after being involved in a fatal crash on Collier Road on June 6, 2023.

Previous coverage: One dead after car crash possibly involving alcohol, sheriff says

Authorities said the investigation found that Hooks was passing a car on a blind hill and was heading into oncoming traffic when he lost control and crashed into a tree.

The crash killed Hooks’ passenger, identified as April Marie Satterfield, of Maryville.

After the crash, Hooks fled the scene but was taken into custody by KCSO.

The district attorney’s office said he told police another man was driving the car and fled on foot, but later told medical personnel that his passenger was the driver.

Forensic testing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation revealed that Hooks had a blood alcohol content level of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit. Additionally, he had methamphetamine and marijuana in his system.

“This driver’s selfish decisions left fathers without a daughter and four sons without a mother,” said prosecutor Allen.

On Friday, the judge accepted Hooks’ plea and sentenced him to serve 10 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

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