AN EARLY MORNING MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH IN CARTER COUNTY THAT HAD TRAFFIC BACKED UP FOR OVER THREE HOURS HAS KILLED ONE PERSON AND INJURED TWO OTHERS. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AROUND 12:30 THIS MORNING ON HIGHWAY 321 IN THE FISH SPRINGS COMMUNITY NEAR WATAUGA LAKE. ACCORDING TO THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, KILLED WAS 22 YEAR OLD JASON PEARCE OF BUTLER TENNESSEE WHO WAS DRIVING A PONTIAC SUNBIRD. PEARCE’S VEHICLE WAS HEADED SOUTHBOUND WHEN HE LOST CONTROL AND VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC STRIKING A TOYOTA SUV. A MAN IN THE SUV WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. MEANWHILE, A PICKUP TRUCK THAT WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IN TIME HIT BOTH CARS, BUT IT’S DRIVER WAS NOT SERIOUSLY HURT. ALL DRIVERS WERE REPORTEDLY WEARING SEAT BELTS. POLICE BELIEVE SPEED WAS A FACTOR IN THE CRASH. NO CHARGES ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILED. AN INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING.