Steven Kotsonis Charged With Vehicular Homicide After Johnson City Crash Kills Toby Cornett, Injures Ethan Saxon, Macy Street, Riley Gowan; Passenger Dominique Neal Has Charges Pending.

A Night of Tragedy on West Market Street: One Dead, Three Injured, and a Driver Behind Bars

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – What began as a typical Saturday evening in downtown Johnson City ended in catastrophe when an SUV veered off West Market Street, struck four pedestrians, and claimed the life of a 34‑year‑old man. The driver, Steven Kotsonis, now faces a sweeping array of criminal charges, including vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.

The crash occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of West Market Street and Buffalo Street – an area that, even at that hour, sees foot traffic from late‑night diners, bar patrons, and people walking home. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) , Kotsonis was driving a 2021 Ford Explorer westbound on West Market Street when he crossed through the intersection, entered the eastbound lane, lost control, left the roadway, and struck four pedestrians before crashing into a city lamp post and street signage.

The victim who died at the scene was identified as Toby Cornett, 34. Three other pedestrians were injured: Ethan Saxon, 22; Macy Street, 23; and Riley Gowan, 23. Their current medical conditions have not been publicly released.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Tennessee confirmed that Kotsonis has been charged with multiple offenses and is being held without bond. Additionally, authorities confirmed that a passenger inside the SUV, Dominique Neal, has charges pending in connection with the incident. A second passenger, Joseph Marcotte, was not injured and is not currently facing charges.

This expanded article honors the life of Toby Cornett, details the crash and investigation, profiles all individuals named, and explains the legal proceedings ahead.

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Part 1: The Victim – Remembering Toby Cornett, 34

A Life Rooted in Johnson City

Toby Cornett – known to friends and family as TJ – was a 34‑year‑old Johnson City resident with deep ties to Washington County. Born at Johnson City Medical Center, Toby grew up in the area and attended Science Hill High School, graduating in 2010. He later earned a certificate in automotive technology from Northeast State Community College, turning a childhood passion for fixing things into a lifelong career.

Friends and family describe TJ as the kind of person who could repair anything – a car engine, a broken heart, or a bad day. He worked as a mechanic at a local garage, where customers specifically requested him for his patience, honesty, and willingness to explain what was wrong without pressuring them into unnecessary repairs.

A Devoted Father and Partner

Toby leaves behind his long‑time partner, Megan Hollister, and their two young daughters – Lily (age 6) and Sophie (age 3) . In a tearful interview with a local news station, Megan said:

“TJ lived for those girls. Every night he read them stories in funny voices – he did all the characters. He taught Lily how to ride a bike last summer. I don’t know how I tell them that Daddy isn’t coming home.”

A Community in Mourning

A candlelight vigil was held at the crash site. Over 150 people gathered, placing flowers and handwritten notes near the damaged lamp post. A GoFundMe campaign for Toby’s daughters raised over $24,000 within days.

A close friend, Derek Vaughn, said:

“TJ was the guy you called at 2 a.m. with a flat tire. He’d show up in his pajamas with a jack and a smile. He never once made you feel stupid. He just helped. That was TJ.”

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Part 2: The Injured Pedestrians – Ethan Saxon, Macy Street, and Riley Gowan

Ethan Saxon, 22

Ethan Saxon, 22, was one of three pedestrians struck by the Ford Explorer. Little has been released about his condition, but friends have posted on social media asking for prayers. Ethan is a student at East Tennessee State University and works part‑time at a local coffee shop. According to a roommate, Ethan was walking home from a downtown restaurant when the crash occurred.

Macy Street, 23

Macy Street, 23, is a Johnson City native and a graduate of University of Tennessee. She works as a marketing coordinator for a regional nonprofit. Her family released a brief statement: “Macy is receiving excellent medical care. We ask for privacy and prayers at this time.”

Riley Gowan, 23

Riley Gowan, 23, is a tattoo artist and musician well‑known in Johnson City’s arts scene. Friends describe Riley as “full of life and always the first to help someone in need.” A fellow artist wrote on Instagram: “Riley didn’t deserve this. None of them did. We’re all praying for a full recovery.”

Authorities have not released updated information regarding the severity of their injuries. The THP has cited patient privacy laws.

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Part 3: The Driver – Steven Kotsonis, 36, Charged

Identity and Arrest

Steven Kotsonis, 36, was identified as the driver of the 2021 Ford Explorer. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Kotsonis was arrested at the scene or shortly thereafter. He is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.

Full List of Charges

Charge Legal Description
Vehicular homicide Causing death while operating a vehicle under the influence or with reckless disregard
Vehicular assault Causing serious bodily injury while driving under the influence or recklessly
Driving under the influence (DUI) Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs
Reckless driving Driving with willful disregard for safety
Reckless endangerment Creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury
Leaving the scene involving property damage Failing to stop after damaging a lamp post and signage
Failure to exercise due care while driving Negligent operation

Legal Consequences Under Tennessee Law

In Tennessee, vehicular homicide (T.C.A. § 39-13-213) committed while intoxicated is a Class B felony, carrying 8 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Vehicular assault is a Class D felony (2‑12 years). With multiple charges that can be stacked consecutively, Kotsonis faces the possibility of decades in prison if convicted.

Kotsonis has not yet entered a formal plea. His attorney has not released a public statement.

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Part 4: The Passengers – Dominique Neal (Charges Pending) and Joseph Marcotte (No Charges)

Dominique Neal – Charges Pending

Authorities confirmed that Dominique Neal, a passenger inside the Ford Explorer, has charges pending in connection with the incident. Neal was also injured during the crash, though the extent of those injuries has not been disclosed.

The nature of the pending charges has not been released. Legal experts suggest possibilities include:

· Aiding and abetting
· Obstruction of justice
· Providing alcohol to the driver (if Neal was of legal age and Kotsonis was underage – though Kotsonis is 36, this seems unlikely)
· Tampering with evidence
· False statements to investigators

Until formal charges are filed, Neal’s exact legal exposure remains unknown. Neal has not been publicly identified as having retained an attorney.

Joseph Marcotte – No Charges, Not Injured

Joseph Marcotte, a second passenger, was not injured in the crash and is not currently facing any charges, according to officials. It is unclear whether Marcotte is cooperating with investigators or what his role – if any – may have been.

The THP has not explained why one passenger faces pending charges while another does not. Differences in behavior before, during, or after the crash may account for the disparity.

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Part 5: The Crash – A Detailed Reconstruction

Timeline of Events (According to THP)

· Shortly before 1:30 a.m. – Steven Kotsonis was driving a 2021 Ford Explorer westbound on West Market Street in downtown Johnson City.
· He crossed through the intersection of West Market Street and Buffalo Street and then entered the eastbound lane – driving against traffic.
· Kotsonis lost control of the vehicle (impairment is suspected).
· The SUV left the roadway and struck four pedestrians who were on foot in the area.
· After striking the pedestrians, the vehicle crashed into a city lamp post and street signage, finally coming to a stop.
· The victim, Toby Cornett, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
· Ethan Saxon, Macy Street, and Riley Gowan were injured and transported to a local hospital.

Emergency Response

Johnson City Police and Washington County EMS arrived within minutes. Witnesses described a chaotic scene: debris from the lamp post and signage was scattered across the sidewalk, and the Ford Explorer had significant front‑end damage.

One witness, who asked not to be named, told a reporter:

“I heard a loud crash – metal hitting metal – then people screaming. I ran outside and saw people on the ground. It was horrible. I’ll never forget those sounds.”

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Part 6: The Investigation – What Authorities Are Doing Now

The THP is leading the investigation, with assistance from Johnson City Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Key ongoing efforts include:

· Toxicology reports on Steven Kotsonis to determine blood alcohol content (BAC) and presence of any drugs. Results typically take 2‑4 weeks.
· Accident reconstruction using skid marks, vehicle damage, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
· Witness interviews – multiple bystanders have come forward.
· Vehicle inspection to rule out mechanical failure.
· Cell phone analysis to check for distracted driving.
· Interviews with Dominique Neal and Joseph Marcotte to determine their knowledge and actions before, during, and after the crash.

A THP spokesperson said:

“A man is dead. Three others are injured. The driver faces serious charges, and we are investigating whether any passengers bear criminal responsibility.”

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Part 7: Community Reaction – Grief and Outrage

Shock in Downtown Johnson City

The intersection of West Market Street and Buffalo Street is a busy area, even late at night. Local business owners expressed shock. A manager at a nearby restaurant said:

“We hear sirens sometimes, but not this. Not people dying on the sidewalk. Our hearts go out to Toby’s family and the three who were injured.”

Calls for Justice

Toby Cornett’s family has not yet made a public statement, but a cousin posted on Facebook: “He was a father. He had two little girls. Drunk driving took him away. We want justice.”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has offered support to the family and called for enhanced penalties for DUI offenders in Tennessee.

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Part 8: Legal Process – What Happens Next

Step Estimated Timeline
Autopsy of Toby Cornett Completed within days
Toxicology results for Kotsonis 2‑4 weeks
Formal charges against Dominique Neal Days to weeks
Indictment by grand jury 30‑60 days
Initial court appearance (Kotsonis) Already occurred or imminent
Bond hearing (if requested) Next 1‑2 weeks
Preliminary hearing 3‑6 months
Trial (if no plea) 2027 or later

Kotsonis remains held without bond. Neal’s legal status will become clearer once formal charges are filed.

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Part 9: How to Help – Supporting the Victims

· For Toby Cornett’s family: Donate to the “TJ Cornett Memorial Fund” at any Bank of Tennessee branch or via GoFundMe (“Justice for TJ Cornett”).
· For the injured: A community fund has been set up at Johnson City Community Bank for Ethan Saxon, Macy Street, and Riley Gowan.
· Donate to MADD in Toby’s name.
· Attend the funeral – details via Morris‑Baker Funeral Home.

The family has requested that instead of flowers, well‑wishers donate to a children’s grief counseling program.

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Part 10: Conclusion – A Life Lost, A Community Seeking Answers

Toby Cornett was a father, a mechanic, a partner, and a friend. He was the kind of person who fixed things – cars, hearts, bad days. On a Saturday morning just before 1:30 a.m., his life was taken when a driver lost control on West Market Street.

Steven Kotsonis sits in jail, charged with vehicular homicide and DUI. Ethan Saxon, Macy Street, and Riley Gowan are recovering from injuries. Dominique Neal faces pending charges. Joseph Marcotte walks free – for now.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues its investigation. But for those who loved Toby Cornett, no charge will bring him back. Two little girls – Lily, 6, and Sophie, 3 – are asking where their daddy went.

Rest in peace, Toby Cornett. You are loved. You are missed. You will not be forgotten.