THP investigates death of Jefferson County judge in Dandridge

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – On Sunday, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey said the Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the death of Fourth Judicial District Court Judge O. Duane Slone.

According to Coffey, Judge Slone died near East 25/70 near the Mountain Vista Trail.

WVLT News has also reached out to THP for more details.

An update will be provided once further information is confirmed.

According to the Tennessee State Courts website, Judge Slone was a former drug trafficking prosecutor and was elected to the Fourth District Court in 1998. He received his bachelor's degree from Carson Newman College in 1987 and his bachelor's degree from Memphis State University in 1990.

The Tennessee State Courts also note that Judge Slone is nationally known for his innovative efforts in combating the opioid addiction crisis and has served as chair of the 8 State Appalachian-Midwest Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative, the Substance Misuse & Addiction Resources for Tennessee “SMART” Justice Network, and the Tennessee Judicial Conference Problem Solving Court Committee.

This is an evolving story.

All rights reserved.