East Tennessee mourns death of Judge Duane Slone, remembered for his work fighting the drug crisis

East Tennessee is mourning the untimely death of a judge who took a special interest in helping drug-addicted defendants and fought for more resources to slow the epidemic.

"The passing of Judge Slone is a tragic loss for the Judiciary and the State of Tennessee," wrote 4th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge James Gass in a statement.

"His most important contribution to our judicial system was his groundbreaking work to combat the effects of opioid addiction in those who appeared before him. Those efforts lead to countless citizens recovering from addiction and returning to lead sober productive lives."

Here is what to know.

What happened to Judge Duane Slone?

Judge Duane Slone was killed Sunday in a crash in Jefferson County, according to a statement from the Tennessee Judiciary . He was 61.

Judge Duane Slone's history

Slone was born and raised in Jefferson City. He graduated from the Memphis State University Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and Carson Newman University. Slone had served as the circuit court judge for the Fourth Judicial District since he was first elected in 1998.

The Fourth Judicial District covers Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier counties.

"Many times we cannot understand why the brightest leave this world far too soon. That statement fairly describes the loss of Judge Slone. Having known him for years and served with him in the judiciary, we are each honored to remember Judge Duane Slone for leaving this state a better place for his efforts," wrote judges and chancellor of the Fourth Judicial District, including Circuit Judge Jim Gass, Circuit Judge Carter Moore, Circuit Judge Rex Ogle, Circuit Judge Jeff Rader and Chancellor Jim Ripley.

What were Judge Duane Slone's accomplishments?

Slone's best-known work centered around drug abuse and helping others get over their addictions.

He cofounded his district's Drug Recovery Court in 2009 and was nationally recognized for his efforts to address the opioid crisis, according to the Tennessee Courts.

Slone served as a chairman of the Appalachian-Midwest Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative, the Substance Misuse & Addiction Resources for Tennessee SMART Justice Network and the Tennessee Judicial Conference Problem Solving Court Committee. He was also a National Rural Justice Collaborative and SMART Policy Network member.

Slone received many state and national awards for his innovative work, including the 2019 National Center for State Courts William H. Rehnquist Judicial Excellence Award, the nation’s highest state court judicial honor.

Slone was inducted in 2020 to the Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee Hall of Fame.

Slone helped establish a safe home for opioid-addicted pregnant women to live while in recovery. The center provided a home for over 70 women and helped over 20 women give birth to healthy babies.

"Outside of the courtroom, Judge Slone was instrumental in establishing the Boys & Girls Club of Dumplin Valley. Because of his leadership, many volunteer hours and tireless support, the Club has grown and has prospered with sites now in Jefferson City, White Pine and Strawberry Plains and Newport, Cocke County," the organization wrote.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: East Tennessee mourns death of Judge Duane Slone, remembered for his work fighting the drug crisis