A tragic and heartbreaking crash on Friday, October 24, has left the community of Maryville grieving the loss of 31-year-old Jesse Malone, a cherished father, friend, and loved one whose life was taken far too soon.
At approximately 7:51 p.m., officers from the Alcoa Police Department (APD), along with the Alcoa Fire Department (AFD) and American Medical Response (AMR), responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries on Williams Mill Road at Oak Hill Drive. When first responders arrived, they found two vehicles engulfed in flames. One of those vehicles was a black Honda Pilot, driven by Jesse Malone, who had been traveling on Williams Mill Road toward Old Knoxville Highway.
Despite immediate efforts by first responders to provide medical aid, Jesse’s injuries were severe. He was transported to Blount Memorial Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced deceased. His passing has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him.
What Happened
Further investigation revealed that the driver of the other vehicle, a white Ford van, was 33-year-old Ronald Weaver, also of Maryville. Authorities learned that just moments before the fatal collision, Weaver had been involved in a separate crash on Old Knoxville Highway at Pellissippi Parkway, where he sideswiped a vehicle and fled the scene at high speed.
While fleeing, Weaver turned onto Williams Mill Road. On a blind curve, he failed to maintain his lane, crossing into oncoming traffic and colliding head-on with Jesse’s vehicle. The impact resulted in both vehicles catching fire, and ultimately, in the loss of Jesse’s life.
Weaver refused medical treatment at the scene multiple times and was later arrested. He now faces multiple serious charges, including:
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash
- Two Counts of Reckless Endangerment
- Driving While Under the Influence
- Vehicular Homicide
- Failure to Maintain Lane of Travel
He was transported from the Blount County Intake Center to UT Medical Center for medical evaluation. The APD Fatal Crash Investigation Team continues to investigate the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sergeant Smiley at 865-981-4111.
Remembering Jesse
While the facts tell the story of what happened, they do not tell the story of who Jesse was.
Jesse was known for his warm heart, his humor, his loyalty, and his deep love for those closest to him. Whether he was sharing a laugh with friends, supporting family through difficult times, or simply enjoying life’s everyday moments, Jesse had a way of making others feel valued and seen. He worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with sincerity.
He was someone people knew they could count on — a steady presence, a kind spirit, and a soul who gave more than he ever asked for in return. His absence leaves silence where laughter once lived, and his memory is now held close by those who loved him beyond measure.
A Community in Sorrow, a Community Called to Love
This tragedy is not just the loss of a life — it is the loss of a son, a friend, a family member, perhaps a father, a coworker, a neighbor. It is a moment that reminds us how quickly everything can change. One reckless decision shattered lives. One innocent person is gone.
As the community grieves, may we:
- Hold Jesse’s family in our hearts.
- Stand with them in love, support, and prayer.
- Honor his memory by choosing compassion, accountability, and care for one another.
Rest in Peace, Jesse Malone
Your life mattered.
Your memory is precious.
You are loved.
Forever.
