Authorities are investigating a single-vehicle crash that occurred late morning on Dry Fork Road, leaving officials working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and what may have caused the vehicle to leave its intended path.
According to authorities, the crash occurred at approximately 11:12 a.m. on May 24, 2026, along Dry Fork Road, east of Mill Road. The incident involved a Dodge Charger driven by 48-year-old Mary Bernard Shelton of Ringgold. Officials confirmed that emergency services were dispatched promptly after reports of a vehicle crash in the area.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they located the Dodge Charger with visible damage consistent with a roadway departure. Emergency personnel immediately assessed the driver and secured the area to ensure safety for both responders and passing motorists. The roadway was partially affected as emergency crews worked to manage the scene and conduct their initial evaluation.
Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the condition of Mary Bernard Shelton following the crash. Officials stated that updates regarding injuries or medical treatment would be provided once next of kin have been notified and further assessments are completed.
Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle left the roadway under circumstances that remain under investigation. Investigators are currently working to determine what factors may have contributed to the crash, including speed, roadway conditions, driver distraction, mechanical issues, or possible medical emergencies.
The Dodge Charger involved in the crash sustained damage consistent with a loss of control incident, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact sequence of events. Crash reconstruction specialists are expected to analyze physical evidence from the scene, including tire marks, vehicle positioning, and roadway conditions, to better understand how the incident unfolded.
Law enforcement officers remained on scene for a period of time following the crash to document evidence and gather preliminary witness statements. Traffic in the surrounding area was briefly slowed as emergency crews worked to clear the roadway and ensure it was safe for reopening.
Witnesses in the vicinity reported seeing emergency vehicles responding quickly to Dry Fork Road shortly after the crash occurred. Some motorists described temporary traffic disruptions as officials worked to manage the scene and redirect vehicles away from the affected stretch of roadway.
Authorities have not indicated whether other vehicles were involved in the crash, and at this time, it is being treated as a single-vehicle incident. Investigators are expected to conduct a thorough review before determining whether any additional contributing factors played a role.
Single-vehicle crashes often require detailed reconstruction efforts, as investigators attempt to determine whether environmental conditions, roadway design, or sudden driver-related issues may have influenced the outcome. Officials have not ruled out any possibilities as the investigation remains ongoing.
Community members in the Ringgold area expressed concern following news of the crash, noting that Dry Fork Road is frequently traveled and can present challenges depending on traffic conditions and visibility. Safety officials continue to encourage drivers to remain attentive and cautious, particularly on rural or less-controlled roadways.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the Dodge Charger traveling along Dry Fork Road prior to the incident to contact investigators. Even small observations, they say, could help clarify the timeline leading up to the crash.
As the investigation continues, officials are expected to release additional details once a full assessment has been completed. For now, authorities remain focused on determining exactly what caused the Dodge Charger driven by Mary Bernard Shelton to leave the roadway east of Mill Road on May 24, 2026.