safety
Best friend survives Middle TN racecar crash that killed 17-year-old cousin: ‘An incredibly difficult road ahead’
By Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
LEWISBURG, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Middle Tennessee family is enduring “unimaginable” pain after two 17-year-old cousins were in a racecar crash over the weekend. Bentlee Potts, a rising senior at Santa Fe School, was killed after the car flipped during a Saturday night race at Duck River Raceway Park. ...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - A Middle Tennessee family is enduring “unimaginable” pain after two 17-year-old cousins were in a racecar crash over the weekend.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The tragic loss of Bentlee Potts at Duck River Raceway Park is a stark reminder of the risks involved in racing, a popular activity in Middle Tennessee. As the community mourns the death of this young racer, it's clear that his passion for racing was deeply rooted in his relationships and family traditions. The fact that his cousin and best friend, Austin, was by his side in the car and survived the crash, only adds to the complexity of the emotional aftermath. The family's request for prayers, especially for Austin and Bentlee's 9-year-old sister, Mayce, highlights the need for support and care for those affected by this tragedy. As the Bedford County Sheriff's Office investigates the wreck, the community will be watching for any developments that may shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the crash. For now, the focus remains on comforting the family and honoring the memory of a young life cut short.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LEWISBURG, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Middle Tennessee family is enduring “unimaginable” pain after two 17-year-old cousins were in a racecar crash over the weekend. Bentlee Potts, a rising senior at Santa Fe School, was killed after the car flipped during a Saturday night race at Duck River Raceway Park. ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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