One Dead, One Critical in Early Morning Crash HIXSON, TENN – At 7:01 AM, Sunday, September 02, 2007, authorities were alerted to a one vehicle crash at the intersection of Hixson Pike and N. Prairie Circle in Hixson.  The Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department responded to find a single vehicle, a black Hyundai, against a building.  No other vehicles were involved.  Hamilton County EMS and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department also responded. Paramedics pronounced the front seat passenger of the vehicle dead at the scene.  The driver of the vehicle was transported to Erlanger Medical Center by Life Force Helicopter in critical condition.   There were no other passengers in the vehicle. Marks at the scene indicate that the vehicle was traveling northbound on Hixson Pike when it crossed over the southbound lanes, left the roadway, jumped a curb, and struck the building on the passenger side.  Although there was some damage to the building there did not appear to be major structural damage to it.  The concrete block building houses a barber shop at that end.  Hixson Pike in this area is four lanes with an additional center turn lane.  Traffic was light at the time of the accident. Sgt. Templeton of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department stated preliminary indications are speed and alcohol played a part in the accident.  The investigation is being completed by Deputy Sledge of the Traffic Division.  Identification of both parties is pending notification of relatives.