Driver Charged After 2026 Chattanooga Cliff Crash
Chase Ryan Klinedinst faces multiple charges following a crash that sent a vehicle 25 feet over a cliff.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Accidents
Authorities in Chattanooga charged Chase Ryan Klinedinst with child neglect and driving under the influence on September 7, 2026. A 2020 Honda CR-V driven by Klinedinst fell 20 to 25 feet over a cliff at Coffey's Cliff, landing near railroad tracks.
Why it matters
The incident resulted in injuries to two children and caused significant disruptions to local rail operations. Investigators are now awaiting blood analysis to determine the full extent of impairment during the incident.
Chase Ryan Klinedinst faces charges of driving under the influence, child neglect, child abuse, and vehicular assault. He was placed on a psychiatric hold following the incident.
The players
Chase Ryan Klinedinst
The driver of the vehicle who was taken into police custody and placed on a psychiatric hold.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
The state agency tasked with analyzing blood samples to determine if the driver was under the influence.
The details
The vehicle bypassed a dead end on Stuart Street and traveled onto a dirt path before plummeting over the cliff. Emergency responders discovered an empty wine bottle and an unopened bottle inside the crashed 2020 Honda CR-V.
Timeline
September 7, 2026: The vehicle drove off the cliff.
Legal Context
This case follows standard judicial procedures regarding DUI-related vehicular assault under Tennessee law. The legal proceedings highlight the state's stringent sentencing guidelines for incidents involving child victims.
The crash forced a temporary suspension of operations on the easternmost railroad line, affecting local transit schedules. Residents are advised to avoid the area near Coffey's Cliff as investigations continue.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the dangers of operating a vehicle while impaired, particularly when children are passengers. Authorities remind the public that suspicious driving behavior should be reported immediately to local law enforcement.
Further reading
For more on local incidents, visit Chattanooga Accidents.
