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The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

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Posted: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 03:22 PM
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Maryville College, Community Grieving Loss Of Senior Basketball Player In I-75 Car Accident Near Cleveland
On Monday, the Maryville College community learned that Brittany Johnson, a student who was set to begin her senior year at the school on Wednesday, was killed in a single-vehicle accident.

A statement from the school said the accident happened on Interstate 75 near Cleveland, Tennessee, Monday morning.

Johnson was a resident of Louisville, Tennessee, and began her education at Maryville College in 2014 after graduating from William Blount High School.

Johnson started on MC's women's basketball team. She was majoring in physical education.

"Brittany was a vivacious member of our campus community. She was also a strong contributor to our women's basketball team, seeing significant playing time on the court. She had an infectious smile, one she shared widely in and out of the gym," said Dr. Melanie V. Tucker, the college's vice president and dean of students. "Brittany was also a beloved friend, daughter and sister. So, our loss is felt beyond the campus and into the surrounding community. I ask that you send your thoughts and prayers to Brittany's family and friends during this heartbreaking time."

The head coach of the Maryville women's basketball team, Darrin Travillian, said Johnson was loved by everyone, and he said his team will miss her smile and energy. He said on the court, Brittany was a difference maker, but she made an even bigger impact off the court to everyone who knew her.

"We are dealing with it the best way we know how right now, we spent a long time together as a team tonight, and we told stories, we laughed and cried, and we talked about how we were going to pull together and be supportive of her family," said Travillian.

The College will hold a prayer service at noon on Wednesday, August 30, in Humphreys Court. The Campus Ministry is open for students, faculty and staff members seeking a quiet place for reflection and comfort.

"We are a small, tightly-knit community, which cares deeply about one another," said Tucker. "Losses, such as this, affect all of us. Take care of yourself and each other."