13-year-old dies in crash after ‘epic day’ at Dollywood with church group

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) – A 13-year-old boy from Tennessee is being remembered as a “bright light” after he died in a car crash while returning from Dollywood with his church group.

Police are investigating a crash that killed 13-year-old Aidan Linville as he and his church group returned from a day at Dollywood, WVLT reports. The crash happened Sunday in Crossville, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Aidan traveled with a group from his church in Sparta to Pigeon Forge to visit Dollywood on Saturday. Shortly after the group left to return home, they were involved in a serious car crash.

In a statement, Aidan’s family says first responders and staff at two hospitals tried to save the 13-year-old, but his injuries were too severe. He died at UT Medical Center.

Family friends say Aidan was so excited to be at Dollywood that he rode every ride at the park and even had blisters on his feet from trying to make the most of the “epic day.”

“He just had a blast, a lot of fun, enjoying the rides and being with his friends,” said Tyler Brandes, the leader of Boy Scouts Troop 128 in Sparta, which Aidan had been a part of for the last few years.

Brandes described Aidan as an energetic, rowdy teenager who was into Marvel movies and hanging out with his friends.

He added that even at a young age, Aidan was always someone who would go the extra mile for someone else, which was noticeable with the way he interacted with his family.

“His dad is a single father; his dad is an amputee who lost his arm in an industrial accident, actually, so he was always helping his dad with things,” Brandes said.

Aidan had just started eighth grade at White County Middle School. Family friends say he was very active in his church.

“Aidan was a bright light in our lives—full of unending energy, kindness and a spirit that touched everyone he met. He loved his family deeply, cherished his church community and formed lasting friendships through his involvement in Boy Scouts and school. His passing has left a void that can never be filled,” said the teenager’s family in a statement following his death.

The family is asking for privacy, understanding and prayers as they mourn.

“Aidan’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him,” the statement read.

A GoFundMe has been started to help Aidan’s family with medical expenses, funeral arrangements and other costs.

Additional information about the crash has not been released