CAMPBELL COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Highway Patrol said a teen died and another was injured after hitting a bear in Campbell County Saturday night.

According to a preliminary report from THP, a 16-year-old juvenile was driving an older model Toyota Tacoma south on Stinking Creek Road at around 8:15 p.m. Saturday when a black bear walked in front of the truck.

The teen was unable to avoid the bear and hit it with the front bumper of the truck, according to THP.

The driver was fatally injured in the crash, THP said, while the passenger, also a 16-year-old juvenile, was injured.

Additional information has not been released.

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The Auburn Tigers may be flipping another recruit from an SEC rival.

Three-star defensive lineman and Tennessee commit darrion smith was on the Plains for Auburn’s thrilling win over No. 19 Texas A&M on Saturday, and he described the visit as “one of the best college visits I have had.”

The Baltimore, Maryland native went on the describe the atmosphere within Jordan-Hare stadium during the Tigers four overtime victory in a recent interview with On3.

“The game, I don’t even know what type of words to put it in,” Smith said. “It was a thriller. It was definitely the craziest game I have been to so far.”

A consensus top 12 prospect from the state of Maryland, Smith committed to the Tennessee Volunteers in July of this year. That hasn’t stopped the high school senior from touring campuses across the country, and On3 expert Cole Pinkston felt confident enough after Smith’s latest visit to predict a flip to Auburn with “60 percent confidence.”

While Smith won’t make his official decision until early December, the Tigers seem like the likely favorite after last weekend, especially after the love the three-star recruit received from the Auburn family.

“The family, how close everybody is. Not even just the coaches, but the town,” said Smith. “People were just coming up to me. It’s different. I’ve never had that before. It’s definitely very family oriented.”

If Auburn can flip the talented pass-rusher, Hugh Freeze and his staff would improve on what already is a top-five recruiting class in the nation. With plenty of other recruits up in the air, it is feasible the Tigers could end the signing period with one of their best recruiting classes in program history.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — House Republicans have selected their leadership for the next Tennessee General Assembly, electing familiar faces to the top roles.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton will reprise the key spot with a unanimous vote from the House Republican caucus.

“I truly appreciate the support and confidence my colleagues have placed in me to continue in my role as speaker,” Sexton said. “Tennessee continues to grow and thrive because of our conservative philosophies and our dedication to preserving Tennesseans’ freedom and liberty. We will continue fighting for solutions that strengthen and protect Tennessee families and communities.”

Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland, will slide into second in command as House majority leader.

“It is uplifting to witness the political shift across our nation this year, with Americans overwhelmingly voting to defend conservative values at every level of government,” Lamberth said. “Our caucus is unified in our commitment to pursue the extraordinary vision of Tennesseans who put their faith in us to lead. Tennessee is stronger than ever. I’m thankful for the opportunity to build on our tradition of good governance for the 114th General Assembly.”

Both Sexton and Lamberth were reelected for fourth terms.

Other leadership positions include:

• Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, as caucus chairman
• Rep. Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, as majority whip
• Rep. Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, as speaker pro tempore
• Rep. Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, assistant majority leader
• Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, as caucus vice chair
• Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown as secretary
• Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, as treasurer
• Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, as freshman floor leader

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at emily.west@newschannel5.com.