New details in deadly Rutledge Pike motorcycle crash

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CORRYTON, Tenn. — The Knox County Sheriff's Office released a new report with key details in a crash that killed a motorcyclist on Rutledge Pike on Sept. 30.

Deputies are still searching for an unknown vehicle involved in the incident that drove away from the scene. They said the crash began after the man was hit by another vehicle and thrown from his motorcycle.

According to the crash report, Roger Grenier, 46, was driving east on Rutledge Pike in Corryton around 3:20 a.m. on Sept. 30 when a car hit him from behind. The driver of the car told deputies the motorcycle "just came out of nowhere."

Grenier was thrown from the motorcycle and landed in the right lane of Rutledge Pike. The driver of the car and another witness pulled over immediately to call 911 and help Grenier, the report said.

However, as they walked toward him, another unidentified vehicle heading east on Rutledge Pike hit Grenier in the road and drove off. KCSO said in its initial report that it was unclear if Grenier was killed in the initial crash or by the unknown vehicle that drove off. The Knox County Regional Forensic Center said Grenier's autopsy report is still incomplete as of Oct. 16.

Grenier left behind a family and his widow, Melissa Grenier. She said they were together for around 13 years.

"He was solid, he was true. If he said he was going to do something, he did it. That might have taken him a little bit, but he'd get it done," she said. "It was one week shy of our seventh wedding anniversary."

KCSO said no suspect has been identified in the hit-and-run. Deputies said the unidentified vehicle may have front-end damage.

"I saw the lights flashing, then I knew. I knew he was gone," said Melissa. "I'm a strong believer in what what happens in the dark will come to light. Even the smallest little detail, could be something, it could be nothing. But we have no clue who this person is, or what kind of car it is."

Melissa said the crash did more than kill her husband — it changed her life.

"They took my life from me. Sept. 30, 2023, 3 a.m. in the morning," she said. "I don't want to come out, I don't want to do anything. I want my husband back, and I can't have him back."

Anyone with information about the case or the suspect should reach out to Sergeant Scott DeArmond at 865-215-2243 or [email protected]. Tipsters can remain anonymous.