On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, a fatal collision occurred around 1:15 PM on Highway 70 North near the Cumberland and Putnam County line in Tennessee, claiming the life of one individual. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s preliminary report, 52-year-old Richard Howard was driving a dump truck loaded with lime eastward on US 70 North.

While navigating a curve, Howard’s vehicle veered across the centerline, colliding with the side of a westbound tractor-trailer operated by 47-year-old Archie Newport, which was hauling logs. The force of the impact caused Newport’s semi to veer off the roadway, resulting in the trailer overturning and spilling its load of logs.

Newport sustained injuries believed to be minor and survived the crash. Tragically, Howard did not survive the incident, succumbing to the injuries sustained in the collision.

The accident disrupted traffic and highlighted the dangers of navigating heavy vehicles on curved roadways.