Shannon Walker – On Monday, August 21, 2023, a tragic incident occurred on Kingston Pike near the University of Tennessee campus. A pedestrian, Ben Kredich, was walking on the sidewalk when he was struck and killed by a minivan driven by Shannon Walker, who was under the influence of drugs.
Shannon Walker had veered off the road and onto the sidewalk, hitting Kredich with such force that he was thrown about 20 yards. Walker’s minivan then hit a pole and came to a stop at the entrance of Second Presbyterian Church. Kredich was pronounced dead at the scene, while Shannon Walker was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and DUI, among other offenses.
Who was Ben Kredich?
Ben Kredich was a 24-year-old Knoxville man who had overcome many challenges in his life. He was born with Down syndrome and autism, but he did not let that stop him from pursuing his passions and living independently. He was a talented piano player who performed at assisted living centers and churches. He was also an avid sports fan who loved the Tennessee Volunteers and the Atlanta Braves.
He was the son of Matt Kredich, the director of swimming and diving at Tennessee, and Kim Kredich, a special education advocate who helped students with disabilities navigate the school system. Ben had two brothers, Jake and Sam, who were also swimmers.
Ben’s family and friends described him as a kind, joyful, and loving person who touched many lives. He had a positive outlook on life and a strong faith in God. He was known for his smile, his hugs, and his sense of humor. He was an inspiration to many people who knew him or heard his story.
| Data | Ben Kredich | Shannon Walker |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 24 | 44 |
| Residence | Knoxville | Maryville |
| Occupation | Piano player | Unemployed |
| Family | Matt Kredich (father), Kim Kredich (mother), Jake Kredich (brother), Sam Kredich (brother) | Unknown |
| Cause of death | Vehicular homicide by intoxication | N/A |
| Date of death | August 21, 2023 | N/A |
| Location of death | Kingston Pike near Thimbleberry Road | N/A |
About Shannon Walker
Shannon Walker is a 44-year-old Maryville man who has a history of drug abuse and criminal activity. According to court records, Walker had been found unresponsive in his vehicle earlier that day, after he had overdosed on heroin. He was treated with Narcan at a hospital and discharged after he refused further treatment. He then got back into his vehicle and drove away, only to cause the fatal crash that killed Ben Kredich.
Walker’s vehicle was searched by the police and they found various narcotics, including suspected heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, pills, and syringes. Walker also had an outstanding warrant for violating his probation on a previous drug charge. He had been convicted of several crimes in the past, including theft, burglary, assault, domestic violence, and driving under the influence.
Shannon Walker is currently being held at the Knox County Detention Facility on a $500,000 bond. He faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, DUI second offense, driving on a revoked license second offense, possession of heroin for resale, possession of methamphetamine for resale, possession of marijuana for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of schedule II drugs (oxycodone), simple possession of schedule IV drugs (alprazolam), violation of implied consent law, violation of probation warrant (felony), violation of probation warrant (misdemeanor), failure to appear warrant (misdemeanor), and failure to appear warrant (felony).
