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Tennessee Judge Duane Slone is remembered for his fight against the drug crisis

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East Tennessee is mourning the untimely death of a judge who was dedicated to helping drug-addicted defendants and fought for more resources to curb the epidemic.

“The death of Judge Slone is a tragic loss for the judiciary and the state of Tennessee,” 4th District Court Judge James Gass wrote in a statement.

“His most important contribution to our justice system was his groundbreaking work to combat the effects of opioid addiction in those who appeared before him. These efforts resulted in countless citizens recovering from their addiction and returning to sober, productive lives.”

Here's what you need to know.

What happened to Judge Duane Slone?

Judge Duane Slone died Sunday in a car crash in Jefferson County, according to a statement from the Tennessee State Judiciary. He was 61 years old.

The story of Judge Duane Slone

Slone was born and raised in Jefferson City. He graduated from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at Memphis State University and Carson Newman University. Slone has been a district judge for the Fourth Judicial District since his first election in 1998.

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

“Often we cannot understand why the brightest leave this world far too soon. This statement aptly describes the loss of Judge Slone. Having known him and worked with him in the judiciary for years, we are all honored to remember Judge Duane Slone, who made this state a better place through his efforts,” wrote judges and chancellors of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, including District Judge Jim Gass, District Judge Carter Moore, District Judge Rex Ogle, District Judge Jeff Rader and Chancellor Jim Ripley.

What services did Judge Duane Slone provide?

Slone's best known works deal with substance abuse and helping others overcome their addictions.

In 2009, he co-founded his district's Drug Recovery Court and has received national recognition for his efforts to address the opioid crisis, according to the Tennessee State Courts.

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

For his innovative work, Slone has received numerous state and national awards, including the 2019 William H. Rehnquist Judicial Excellence Award from the National Center for State Courts, the highest judicial honor given by a state court in the United States.

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

Slone helped create a safe home for pregnant women with opioid addiction during their recovery. The center provided a home for over 70 women and helped over 20 women give birth to healthy babies.

“Outside the courtroom, Judge Slone was instrumental in the founding of the Boys & Girls Club of Dumplin Valley. Thanks to his leadership, many volunteer hours and tireless support, the club has grown and thrived, with locations in Jefferson City, White Pine and Strawberry Plains, as well as Newport, Cocke County,” the organization wrote.

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