Injured pedestrians thankful for support after fatal DUI-related crash in downtown Johnson City

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) - A driver is facing several charges after hitting four pedestrians, killing one and injuring three others Saturday morning in downtown Johnson City. According to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), 36-year-old Stephen Kotsonis was driving a 2021 Ford Explorer when the vehicle struck four pedestrians. According to THP, Kotsonis lost control of the vehicle, hit a curb and drove into the West Main Street parking lot, hitting a light pole lamp and city signage at around 1:29 a.m. The victims were identified as 22-year-old Ethan Saxon, 23-year-old Macy Street, 23-year-old Riley Gowan and 24-year-old Toby Cornett. According to the report, Cornett died from fatal injuries sustained in the crash. Saxon, Street and Gowan survived but suffered injuries. According to the victims, Saxon sustained a broken foot, Street suffered a collapsed lung, road rash and a fractured pelvis, and Gowan suffered rashes and a broken nose. All three were released from the hospital Saturday morning. The Washington County Detention Center confirmed to News Channel 11 on Sunday that Kotsonis is being held there without bail. It is also confirmed that Kotsonis was charged with the following: Saxon and Street said the group had been celebrating the night before Saxon’s college graduation when they stopped at the food truck before the crash occurred. Street said she did not see the SUV before the impact. Saxon told News Channel 11 they briefly got a glimpse of the vehicle before the impact. "I didn't see it happen, I know my friend Riley, who also got hit by the car; she saw it for a split second, but I think I must have been facing away from the car because I just went unconscious and woke up in the hospital," Street told News Channel 11. "I remember sort of walking, you know, going to go walk towards the food truck, and that's when I see something in the corner of my eye, and it was so quick that I could barely even see it," Saxon added. Below is a statement that Gowan gave to News Channel 11: “I’m still in disbelief this has happened. I’m still trying to process. I hope for the best outcome possible and for justice for everyone involved.” Though a tragic incident, Street and Saxon are thankful for the prayers and well-wishes they have received. A GoFundMe has been established for Street, who is expected to be bedridden for an extended period of time. "It's just awful and really unfair to everybody's families and friends," Street said. "The man's family and friends and just that whole thing, it's just awful. So all four of us just keep us in your thoughts and prayers."