safety
Son of legendary moonshiner dies after motorcycle crash in Cocke County, fellow moonshiner confirms
By Josh Jarnagin at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - The son of moonshiner Popcorn Sutton has died in a motorcycle crash in Cocke County, a fellow moonshiner confirmed in a post on Facebook.According to a preliminary report from Tennessee Highway Patrol, a 2005 Dodge Caravan was traveling westbound on E. Highway 25/70. ...
Key takeaway The driver of the motorcycle, 31-year-old Solomon Sutton, of North Carolina, was killed in the crash, THP said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The loss of Solomon Sutton, son of legendary moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, in a motorcycle crash in Cocke County, resonates deeply in the Nashville community, where Appalachian heritage and culture are cherished. As a city nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Nashville's residents often celebrate the state's rich history, including its moonshining legacy. The outpouring of tributes from fellow moonshiners, like Steve Tickle, underscores the strong bonds within the community that values its traditions and storytelling. Solomon's passing serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with motorcycle accidents, a concern for local authorities and residents alike, given the scenic roads and highways that crisscross the region. As the investigation into the crash continues, Nashville residents will be watching to see how the community comes together to support the Sutton family and to honor Solomon's memory, while also promoting road safety and responsible driving practices.
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: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - The son of moonshiner Popcorn Sutton has died in a motorcycle crash in Cocke County, a fellow moonshiner confirmed in a post on Facebook.According to a preliminary report from Tennessee Highway Patrol, a 2005 Dodge Caravan was traveling westbound on E. Highway 25/70. ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Jarnagin 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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