Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer today (Tuesday), said an accident took place Sunday morning, north of Essex, but no injuries were reported. Just before 7-a.m., authorities were notified of a single vehicle in a ditch off of D Avenue.  When a Deputy arrived at approximately 7:30 AM, there was nobody around the vehicle and the vehicle was cold.

The investigation determined 19-year old Tanner James Sharp, of Knoxville, was operating a 2010 GMC 1500 pickup  northbound on D Avenue just on the north edge of Essex.  Sharp said he had fallen asleep at the wheel.  The vehicle entered the west ditch and into a concrete culvert.  Sharp abandoned the vehicle, and stated in a phone conversation that he was uninjured from the accident.

No other property damage was reported. Damage to the vehicle is considered to be $15,000.00. No charges have been issued at this time.