GREENBACK (WATE) – The Greenback community is coming together to support the family who lost five members in a fatal crash in Blount County on May 7.
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The driver the SUV, Robert L. Sorensen Jr., 56, from Maryville, was killed. The driver of the van, Tammy James, 52 and four passengers, Christy M. Manuel, 30, Cody Manuel,13, Christopher Manuel, 8, Gavin Manuel, 1, were killed. James, Christ Manuel, Cody Manuel, Christopher Manuel and Gavin Manuel were from Greenback.
The crash was reported at 9:15 p.m. on May 7 on U.S. Highway 411 and Binfield road, between Maryville and Vonore. Tennessee Highway Patrol said it appears a 2002 Isuzu Roadea crossed the southbound lanes crashing head on into a 2010 Dodge Caravan.
Three other passengers in the Caravan were injured: Gary Manuel, 32, of Knoxville, Gary Manuel, 11 of Greenback and Cory Manuel, 9, of Greenback. All three are at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
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A family spokesperson says Cory has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home and Gary Jr. and Gary Sr. are still in the hospital in stable condition.
The Greenback community and Pine Grove Presbyterian Church is hosting several fundraisers for the family.
A hot dog lunch will be held in the parking lot of the People’s Bank of East Tennessee on May 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is sponsored by the bank.
If you wish to help there is a fund established at Peoples Bank of East Tennessee in Madisonville. Checks can made payable to Pine Grove Presbyterian Church and in the memo line, please write Hancock/Manuel family fund.
Checks can also be mailed to either Peoples Bank of East Tennessee, PO Box 128, Madisonville, TN 37354
or dropped off at any branch of People’s Bank of East Tennessee location.
Checks may also be mailed to Pine Grove Presbyterian Church, 4800 Hwy 95, Greenback, TN 37742.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral costs. To donate, please click here.