An 86-year-old Maryville man is facing felony charges following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a local bicyclist last month, according to Blount County Sheriff James Berrong.

Harold E. McLemore was taken into custody today and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class E felony.

The charge stems from a June 25 incident in the 3800 block of Old Niles Ferry Road. At approximately 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a severely injured woman found lying in a ditch.

• The Victim: The cyclist was identified as Mrs. Joyce Frey.

• Medical Response: AMR Ambulance Service medics called for Life Star to transport Mrs. Frey to U.T. Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

• The Break in the Case: Crash investigators identified McLemore as the suspect using witness statements and physical evidence gathered at the scene.

McLemore was booked into the Blount County Correctional Facility and subsequently released on his own recognizance. His driving privileges have been revoked, and he is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Blount County General Sessions Court on July 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Sheriff Berrong expressed gratitude to community members who came forward with information during the investigation, while offering condolences to those impacted.

“This is a tragic situation,” Sheriff Berrong said. “With this arrest, we provided some closure and justice for Mrs. Frey’s family, but it doesn’t really ease anyone’s suffering. My prayers go out to everyone who was affected by this incident.”