NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Highway 840 was dedicated Friday as the Kyler Gatica Memorial Highway in honor of the Wilson County teenager who died in a 2024 crash.
State Rep. Clark Boyd, alongside state Senators Mark Pody and Dawn White, participated in the ceremony commemorating the stretch of road between mile markers 53 and 55.
Kyler Gatica, 16, lost his life in October 2024 when a distracted driver rear-ended the family vehicle as they were returning home from vacation. Authorities reported the crash occurred approximately 30 minutes from their destination.
Earlier this year, Governor Bill Lee approved the memorial highway designation to honor Kyler's memory.
Kyler's parents, Matt and Stephanie Gatica, have since been active in their community, promoting kindness and encouraging others to “Be a Kyler” in his legacy.
They founded Kyler's Impact Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness about road safety and preventing similar tragedies through acts of kindness.