Brian Huffstetler, 29 year old lineman with the City of Alcoa Electric Department, was killed the evening of November 28 in the line of duty. 

 

Huffstetler was climbing a utility pole and was struck by a falling tree in what has been described as a "freak accident." Huffstetler was with a crew in the Hughes Loop Road area of Blount County that was troubleshooting electric lines that were having issues due to wind. No one else was injured.

 

On the night of November 28, East Tennessee was seeing wind gusts topping as much as 80 mph. The same storm system that night caused tornadoes in Tullahoma and Athens with high winds feeding forest fires that forced the evacuation of the entire town of Gatlinburg.

 

"He was a dedicated, energetic, and enthusiastic employee who will be greatly missed. Alcoa City staff requests prayers for Katie and the family, and they also request that their privacy be honored as they mourn Brian’s passing," a statement from the Sheriff's Office reads.

 

Huffstetler is survived by his wife Katie, two small children and his parents. 

 

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 location or send donations directly to the church at: 

 

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

Brian Huffstetler Memorial Fund

910 Walker School Road

Maryville, TN 37803

 

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at TMEPA are with the Huffstetler Family and everyone at the City of Alcoa.