Alcoa City Manager Mark Johnson and Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said Brian Huffstetler, 29, a City of Alcoa electric line worker, was killed after he was struck by a falling tree while working as part of a “trouble crew” in the Hughes Loop area of Blount County Monday evening.
Huffstetler was taken to Blount Memorial Hospital by Rural/Metro Ambulance Service following the accident. He was pronounced dead a short time later as a result of blunt force trauma.
Huffstetler was working with a crew Monday evening to restore electric service in the area and was in the process of climbing the utility pole when he was struck by the tree.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident.
Huffstetler is survived by his wife Katie, their two children, and his parents Rick and Mary Alice. He was a dedicated, energetic, and enthusiastic employee who will be greatly missed. The City of Alcoa staff requests prayers the family and that the privacy of the family be honored as they mourn Huffstetler’s passing .
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church has established the Brian Huffstetler Memorial Fund at First Tennessee Bank. Anyone wanting to make a donation to the fund may do so at any First Tennessee Bank branch loacation or send donations directly to the church at: Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Brian Huffstetler Memorial Fund, 910 Walker School Rd., Maryville, TN 37803. This is in addition to a Go Fund Me account to benefit his family at gofundme.com/for-the-family-of-brian-huffstetler.