Shannon Walker is a 44-year-old man from Maryville, Tennessee, who has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI, as well as multiple drug offenses, after he allegedly crashed his minivan into Ben Kredich, a 24-year-old pedestrian, on Kingston Pike in Knoxville on August 21, 2023.
What happened on the day of the crash?
According to court records and witness statements, Shannon Walker was driving eastbound in the left lane of Kingston Pike around 4 p.m. when he veered left across the westbound lanes and onto the sidewalk, where Kredich was walking in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood. Shannon Walker’s minivan hit Kredich, who was thrown about 20 yards. The minivan then hit a pole and finally came to a stop at the entrance of Second Presbyterian Church.
Kredich was pronounced dead at the scene. Shannon Walker was still in the driver’s seat and said he had passed out. A search of his vehicle uncovered suspected heroin and other drugs.
Earlier that day, Shannon Walker had been found unresponsive in his vehicle, was treated with Narcan at a hospital, and discharged after he refused further treatment.
Who was Ben Kredich?
Ben Kredich was the son of Matt Kredich, the director of swimming and diving at the University of Tennessee. Ben had autism and was an advocate for students with special needs. He had recently moved into his own apartment and was pursuing his passion for playing piano at assisted living centers.
Ben’s death was confirmed by a Tennessee Athletics spokesman and mourned by the Tennessee swimming and diving team, who issued a statement saying
Our Tennessee swimming & diving family is heartbroken following the tragic loss of Matt and Kim’s son, Ben. We offer our prayers, support and presence to lift up the Kredich family amidst our collective sorrow and grief. We know the entire University of Tennessee community joins us in mourning and memorializing a beautiful soul who touched many, many lives and will never be forgotten.
Ben’s father, Matt Kredich, is a respected coach who has led the Tennessee swimming and diving program since 2005. He has coached several Olympians and NCAA champions and has served on various national and international committees.
| Name | Age | Occupation | Residence | Relation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon Walker | 44 | Unknown | Maryville, TN | Driver |
| Ben Kredich | 24 | Piano player | Knoxville, TN | Victim |
| Matt Kredich | 52 | Swimming coach | Knoxville, TN | Father |
- Shannon Walker has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI, as well as multiple drug offenses.
- Ben Kredich was an advocate for students with special needs and a piano player who performed at assisted living centers.
- Matt Kredich is the director of swimming and diving at the University of Tennessee and a renowned coach.
Frequently Asked Q/A
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When and where did the crash happen which killed Ben Kredich?
The crash happened on August 21, 2023 around 4 p.m. on Kingston Pike near Thimbleberry Road in Knoxville.
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What caused the crash and Killed ben Kredich?
According to police, Shannon Walker was driving under the influence of drugs and veered off the road onto the sidewalk where Kredich was walking.
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What are the charges against Shannon Walker?
Shannon Walker has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI, as well as multiple drug offenses related to heroin and other substances found in his vehicle.
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How is the Kredich family coping with the loss?
The Kredich family has received an outpouring of support from the University of Tennessee community, especially from the swimming and diving team. They have not issued any public statements yet.
