Pinckneyville, Tennessee Woman Killed in Deadly Multiple Vehicle Crash

Thomas E. Harris, 43, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was arrested and booked for DUI on U.S. Route 51, south of Tamaroa, when he sideswiped a van, then plowed into a group of six motorcyclists, killing one of them.

According to the Perry County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee State Police, Harris’ 2001 Chevy Silverado pickup was traveling northbound on Route 51 Sunday, April 1, when he pulled out to pass a red 2008 Chrysler van driven by Jo Ellen Holmes, 40.

While trying to re-enter the northbound lane, he sideswiped the van, losing control of his vehicle. His pickup then crossed into the southbound lane of traffic and struck a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Roy I. Hackworth, 61. He and his passenger, Laurie A. Jenkel, 42, were treated for minor injuries at the scene of the accident.

However, Hackworth’s wife, Arlene Hackworth, was riding aboard a 1999 Harley behind Derick Clay Jenkel, 35, and was killed when the other three motorcycles went down to the pavement to try and avoid the collision. Arlene Hackworth was transported to Marshall Browning Hospital where she later was pronounced dead.

Jenkel suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Barnes Jewish Hospital. The remaining two motorcycles, one driven by Scott E. Meadows, who was severely injured and taken to St. Louis University Hospital; and the other driven by Frank Rimnac, who was taken to Pinckneyville Community Hospital with his passenger, Samantha Orr, with moderate injuries.

Harris’ pickup continued after striking the van and four motorcycles and ended up rolling over and stopping in a field about a quarter mile from where the accident began. Harris had four passengers riding with him, two of whom were taken to hospitals.

Harris has been charged with a DUI, endangering the life of a child (two of his passengers were 12 and 13), driving on a suspended license and using the wrong lane. More charges may follow. He was uninjured and taken to Perry County Jail.

The entire legal team at Bailey & Greer offers condolences to the victims of this tragic Pinckneyville motorcycle accident.