A Tennessee mother is facing serious charges after authorities say she drove off a cliff with her two young children in the vehicle. Chase Klinedinst, 30, is accused of driving to the dead end of Stuart Street in Chattanooga on Sept. 7, continuing onto a dirt path toward Coffey’s Cliff, and going over the edge. The car landed upside down roughly 20 to 25 feet below, next to railroad tracks, which temporarily shut down rail operations on one line while first responders worked the scene.
According to an affidavit obtained by WVLT News, both children were in child restraint seats at the time of the crash. One child was treated for a fractured forearm and pulmonary contusions. Police described Klinedinst as combative with medics, with slurred speech and a strong odor of an intoxicating beverage. An empty wine bottle and a cold, unopened bottle were reportedly found at the scene. She now faces two counts of child neglect, driving under the influence and vehicular assault, and her next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17.
For families here on the Suncoast, the story lands close to home even from a few states away. Whether it’s a night out in downtown Sarasota, a spring training game in March, or a boat day off Bradenton Beach, the plan for getting home safely is the part that matters most. Court will determine what happened on that road in Chattanooga, and Klinedinst is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.
What’s your family’s rule for making sure everyone gets home safe? Tell us in the comments.
