Friends remember man killed in Hixson crash

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Friends remember the motorcyclist who was hit and killed by a driver accused of being under the influence.

Flowers along Hixson Pike honor Phillip Hutton.

“Phillip was one of a kind. He was very special, caring, laid back guy. He was so funny. He had a lot of friends and he is going to be very missed,” said Katie Palmer.

Palmer grew up with Hutton.

“We were all part of a youth group together. It was like a family for us. He was a brother to a lot of us. That was our favorite memories together, having so much fun together at the youth group,” Palmer said.

On Friday, traffic investigators say Hutton was on his motorcycle when he was hit and killed by a man accused of driver under the influence.

Harrison Rogers faces several charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, DUI 3rd offense, and driving on a revoked license for DUI.

DUI prosecutors say cases like this are very concerning, but there is only so much they can do.

“We can’t tell them not to drive when their license is revoked for a DUI. They are going to do it regardless,” said Chris Post, a DUI prosecutor.

“We would love to be proactive. There is nothing I would like more than to prevent every single vehicular homicide and vehicular assault from occurring, but we have to deal with the situation as we have it,” said Kate Lavery, a DUI prosecutor.

As for Palmer, she initially felt anger towards Rogers, but realized Hutton wouldn’t want that.

“Knowing Phill, and the type of person that Phill was, his faith was important to him. So I know that he would want me to be forgiving,” Palmer said.

Rogers’ bond was raised on Monday. He is expected to be back in court on October 16.