A Tennessee mother is facing multiple charges after investigators say she drove an SUV off a cliff in Chattanooga with her two young children inside. The vehicle fell about 25 feet and landed upside down near railroad tracks, according to an affidavit. One child suffered a broken arm and a bruised lung, while the other was treated and released.
Investigators say the driver showed signs of possible intoxication after the crash, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol. Two wine bottles were reportedly found inside the vehicle, including one that was empty. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 17.
| 1) | Crash near Coffey’s Cliff |
| 2) | Children’s injuries and medical treatment |
| 3) | Evidence cited in the investigation |
| 4) | Charges filed by state authorities |
| 5) | Upcoming court proceedings |
Crash near Coffey’s Cliff
Investigators say Chase Ryan Klinedinst, 30, was driving a Honda CR-V with her two young children when she reached the end of a road near Coffey’s Cliff in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Authorities allege that she continued down a dirt road instead of stopping, causing the vehicle to leave the cliff area.
The SUV reportedly fell about 25 feet and came to rest upside down near railroad tracks. The children were in safety seats at the time of the crash. The account comes from an affidavit reviewed as part of the investigation, and the allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
Children’s injuries and medical treatment
Both children were taken to a hospital following the crash. Investigators said one child sustained a broken arm and a bruised lung, injuries consistent with the force of the vehicle’s fall.
The other child was treated and released, according to the available account. No additional medical details were provided. The children’s presence in the vehicle is central to the child neglect allegations filed against the driver.
Evidence cited in the investigation
Investigators reported that Klinedinst had slurred speech, acted combatively toward medical personnel and smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage after the crash. These observations were cited as indicators supporting the driving under the influence allegation.
Investigators described the vehicle as landing “upside down near railroad tracks.”
Two bottles of wine were reportedly found inside the Honda CR-V. One bottle was empty, according to investigators. The available report does not state the result of a blood or breath test, so the allegations will be addressed through the criminal court process.
Charges filed by state authorities
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is the charging agency. Klinedinst faces two counts of child neglect, one charge of driving under the influence and one count of vehicular assault.
The charges reflect separate allegations involving the driver’s condition, the presence and safety of the children, and the injuries resulting from the crash. A criminal charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Upcoming court proceedings
Klinedinst is due in court on November 17. The hearing is expected to begin the judicial process involving the DUI, child neglect and vehicular assault allegations.
The available information does not identify the final disposition of the case or indicate whether additional charges may be considered. Further developments will depend on court filings, evidence and future proceedings.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Honda CR-V carrying two children fell about 25 feet near Coffey’s Cliff in Chattanooga. |
| 2 | One child suffered a broken arm and a bruised lung; the other was treated and released. |
| 3 | Investigators cited signs of possible intoxication and two wine bottles found in the vehicle. |
| 4 | The driver faces two child neglect counts, DUI and vehicular assault. |
| 5 | A court appearance is scheduled for November 17. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that Chase Ryan Klinedinst drove off a cliff in Chattanooga while her two children were inside the vehicle. The children were hospitalized after the crash, and investigators cited apparent signs of alcohol impairment. The pending court proceedings will determine how the allegations are addressed under Tennessee law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does the driver face?
She faces two counts of child neglect, driving under the influence and vehicular assault.
What happened to the children?
Both children were taken to a hospital. One suffered a broken arm and a bruised lung, while the other was treated and released.
When is the next court appearance?
The driver is scheduled to appear in court on November 17.