A 60-year-old Vonore woman died after her car collided with a Waste Connections trash truck early Tuesday morning on Highway 72 in Loudon County.

Michelle L. Gross, 60, died at the scene, Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Jimmy Whitt said.

The driver of the truck, Tellico Plains resident Michael Matheny, 63, was transported to University of Tennessee Medical Center following the accident. The extent of Matheny's injuries was not available at presstime.

"The county deputy that was first on scene said (Matheny) was talking and was alert," Whitt said.
Gross was heading west on Highway 72 around 6 a.m. when her 2005 Mercury Montego crossed the center line and collided with the trash truck near Watkins Road.

"It appeared like she crossed the center line, came into his lane and pretty much hit him head on," Whitt said.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts and no citations were issued.

The collision brings   Loudon County's fatality rate to five for the year.

"Last year at this time we had 10, so we're still pretty good compared to last year," Whitt said.

The accident remains under investigation, Whitt said.