Man who disrupted 2022 Macon County parade dies in prison

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The man accused of plowing through a Macon County parade in 2022 has died in prison while awaiting trial.

According to the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), James Corum died at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution on Sept. 16.

Corum was awaiting trial for breaking through the barriers of the Macon County High School Homecoming Parade in September 2022. He was running from local police on Sycamore Street during the parade in Lafayette, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). Witness video showed the car Corum was driving flying through the designated parade route, nearly missing children lined up along the route.

Macon County Deputy Aaron Shipley reportedly used his patrol vehicle to ram Corum’s vehicle in front of Central Elementary School, preventing injuries to any students and teachers nearby. Both Corum and Shipley were transported to the hospital for injuries related to the collision.

Corum was charged by the Lafayette Police Department with two counts of aggravated vehicle assault, reckless endangerment, evading arrest and driving on a suspended license. He was also charged by THP for driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, driving under the influence, not wearing a seatbelt and not having insurance or current registration.

According to Macon County Sheriff Joey Wilburn, Corum’s death was medical-related.

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No further details about his death were immediately released.

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