DOT Worker Helps Track Down Missing Dog After Crash

Tennessee Department of Transportation employee goes the extra mile to find lost pet.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Tennessee Department of Transportation worker named David Wortham went above and beyond to find a missing dog named Max after a car crash in Knoxville. Wortham tracked the 4-year-old dog for over a mile through the snow, eventually locating him safe and reuniting him with his grateful owners, Brian and Crystal.

Why it matters

This heartwarming story highlights the compassion and dedication of a public servant who went out of his way to help reunite a family with their beloved pet in a difficult situation. It also speaks to the strong bond between people and their animal companions.

The details

Wortham, a 28-year TDOT veteran, arrived at the crash scene near an interstate on-ramp and noticed the dog's owners calling for their pet, Max. Wortham decided to track the dog, who had run up a hill, and followed his trail for over a mile until he found the cold but safe Max. The owners, Brian and Crystal, were overjoyed to have their dog back.

  • The crash occurred on Saturday near the TDOT headquarters.
  • Wortham tracked Max for over a mile through the snow.

The players

David Wortham

A 28-year veteran employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation who went out of his way to track down a missing dog after a car crash.

Max

A 4-year-old dog who ran away from the scene of a car crash in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Brian and Crystal

The owners of Max, who were overjoyed when the TDOT worker reunited them with their beloved pet.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It just seemed like the right thing to do. I have a dog. I love dogs. I couldn't imagine losing mine knowing that, you know, he, at that point, he shouldn't be too far away. Just felt like if I could do something, I should.”

— David Wortham, TDOT Worker

“It was just a really special thing to us for him to make that much effort.”

— Brian

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of compassion and the willingness of public servants to go above and beyond their duties to help members of the community, even in the most unexpected of circumstances. It serves as an inspiring example of the positive impact that one person's actions can have on others.