Tennessee Mother Accused of Driving Off a 25-Foot Cliff With Her Two Children in the Car — SUV Landed Upside Down Near Train Tracks

A Tennessee mother is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say she drove her vehicle off a cliff with her two young children inside, sending the SUV plunging roughly 20 to 25 feet before it landed upside down near railroad tracks. The terrifying crash occurred in Chattanooga in September, but the case drew renewed attention after the woman was arrested weeks later.

Chase Ryan Klinedinst, 30, was arrested on Monday, October 12, in connection with the September 7 incident. According to an arrest affidavit cited by local news outlets, Klinedinst was driving along Stuart Street at around 8:30 p.m. when she reached the end of the road. Rather than stopping, she allegedly continued down a dirt path leading toward Coffey’s Cliff, an area overlooking a railroad yard.

Investigators say the vehicle traveled around a bend before going over the edge and falling approximately 20 to 25 feet. The SUV came to rest on its roof beside the train tracks, creating a dangerous situation that also disrupted railroad operations on one of the tracks. Inside the overturned vehicle were Klinedinst’s two children, both of whom were secured in child safety seats.

Although both children survived the crash, one suffered a fractured forearm and pulmonary contusions, according to the arrest affidavit. The child was taken to a hospital for treatment. The other child was also examined following the incident, with reports indicating that the child did not sustain comparable injuries. The fact that both children survived the dramatic fall offered some relief amid the alarming circumstances described by investigators.

Authorities raised concerns about Klinedinst’s condition at the scene. According to the affidavit, first responders reported that she had heavily slurred speech, smelled strongly of alcohol and became combative with medical personnel who were trying to help her. Investigators also reportedly found an empty wine bottle inside the vehicle, along with a second, unopened bottle of wine.

The affidavit alleges that Klinedinst’s ability to drive was severely impaired and that her actions recklessly endangered both children, who were under the age of eight. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash as part of the criminal case. The presence of alcohol and the reported observations of emergency personnel are central to the allegations, though the charges have not yet been proven in court.

Klinedinst faces charges including driving under the influence, vehicular assault and two counts of child neglect. She was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and a judge reportedly set her bond at $10,000. Her next scheduled court appearance is November 17, 2026.

The case has raised serious questions about the dangers children can face when an impaired driver gets behind the wheel. For the two young passengers, what began as a car journey ended in a frightening plunge beside active railroad tracks. As the legal process moves forward, investigators will continue to examine the evidence surrounding the crash, while Klinedinst remains entitled to the presumption of in