Tennessee Mother Charged After Driving SUV Off Cliff With Two Children Aboard
Authorities allege the mother was intoxicated when she drove the vehicle over a 25-foot drop near train tracks.
A Tennessee mother has been charged with driving under the influence and child neglect after allegedly driving her SUV off a 25-foot cliff with her two children inside. The incident occurred on September 7, near Coffey’s Cliff, a scenic overlook in Chattanooga.
According to police, Chase Ryan Klinedinst drove the vehicle down a dirt path before plunging off the cliff. The SUV landed upside down near train tracks below. Both children were secured in child safety seats. One child sustained serious injuries, including a fractured forearm and bruised lungs, and was admitted to a local hospital. The other child was examined and released.
Upon arrival at the scene, authorities reported that Klinedinst was aggressive towards first responders and smelled of alcohol. Investigators allegedly discovered an empty wine bottle and an unopened, chilled bottle of alcohol inside the vehicle. Klinedinst was taken to a local hospital and placed on a psychiatric hold, according to court documents.
She faces multiple charges including driving under the influence, child neglect, child abuse and neglect, and vehicular assault.