Fatal Pedestrian Crash Under Investigation on Gunbarrel Road — One Dead, One Seriously Injured
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A devastating crash on Sunday night has left one person dead and another critically injured after two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle in the 2000 block of Gunbarrel Road. The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) has confirmed that the fatal incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. on October 5, 2025, prompting a large emergency response and the launch of a Traffic/DUI investigation.
According to preliminary reports, officers arrived on the scene to find two pedestrians who had been hit while standing near a Jeep Wrangler that had apparently run out of fuel. Investigators say the Jeep was stopped in the roadway with its hazard lights activated, and the pedestrians were in the process of refueling the vehicle when tragedy struck.
A southbound Dodge 1500 pickup truck reportedly collided with both pedestrians before crashing into the rear of the Jeep, causing severe damage to both vehicles. Emergency crews from the Hamilton County EMS and Chattanooga Fire Department responded immediately to render aid.
Sadly, one of the victims, identified as 27-year-old Eman Rpn, was pronounced dead at the scene due to traumatic injuries sustained in the collision. The second pedestrian, 27-year-old Olivia Pope, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She remains under medical care as family and loved ones gather in hope for her recovery.
In addition to the pedestrians, two juvenile passengers who were inside the Dodge at the time of the crash were also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Their conditions are reported to be stable.
The driver of the Dodge, 32-year-old John Boyd, was detained at the scene. Police say Boyd was subjected to field sobriety testing, which led to his arrest on multiple charges, including:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Vehicular Homicide
- Vehicular Assault
- Two Counts of Child Endangerment
- Additional related offenses
Boyd was transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center, where he remains in custody pending further investigation and court proceedings.
The Chattanooga Police Department’s Traffic/DUI Unit is continuing to investigate the fatal crash. Authorities are reconstructing the events leading up to the collision, examining roadway evidence, vehicle damage, and possible contributing factors such as speed and driver impairment.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash to contact CPD at 423-698-2525. Every detail, they say, could be critical in helping investigators determine the full circumstances of this tragic event.
Residents in the area have expressed heartbreak and frustration following yet another DUI-related fatality. Roadside memorials have begun to appear near the crash site, with flowers and candles placed in remembrance of Eman Rpn, described by those who knew him as a hardworking, kind, and generous young man.
“This could have been avoided,” one local resident said. “People need to understand that driving under the influence doesn’t just risk their own lives — it destroys families and futures in an instant.”
As the community mourns this devastating loss, the Chattanooga Police Department continues to emphasize the life-or-death consequences of impaired driving and urges all motorists to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
This remains an active investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
