In a heartbreaking incident that has left a small Tennessee community reeling, Bobby Dan Green, a beloved local cyclist, lost his life in a hit-and-run collision on the evening of Monday, March 31, 2025. The tragedy unfolded at the intersection of Rock Avenue and Main Street in Palmer, Grundy County, where Green was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Haley Layman, fled the scene, leaving Green critically injured on the roadside. Despite efforts to save him, Green succumbed to his injuries, marking a devastating loss for his family and friends. What makes this story even more unsettling is the revelation that Layman, after abandoning the scene, later took to social media to share posts from Green’s grieving family and local law enforcement—actions that have stunned authorities and the public alike.
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the 12th Judicial Drug Task Force, and Constable Collins, moved swiftly to investigate the incident. Within 24 hours, their efforts led to Layman’s arrest on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. According to the arrest report, Layman admitted to authorities that she had been drinking at the time of the crash, a confession that she said prompted her to flee rather than face the consequences of her actions. The investigation further revealed that she drove her damaged vehicle to a neighboring county in an attempt to have it repaired, seemingly hoping to erase evidence of her involvement. Yet, it was her behavior online that added a chilling layer to the case. Just over 12 hours after the fatal collision, Layman posted on Facebook, writing, “Rest in peace Bobby dan you’re going to be missed so much!” She also shared updates from Green’s family and the sheriff’s office, actions that have left many questioning her motives.
Bobby Dan Green was a familiar figure in Palmer, often seen pedaling through the quiet streets of this tight-knit community. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with his daughter, Clara Green, speaking publicly about the profound loss. A GoFundMe page has since been established to help cover the costs of his cremation, reflecting the community’s desire to rally around his family in their time of need. For those who knew him, Green’s death is not just a personal tragedy but a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of reckless decisions.
Layman now faces a litany of serious charges, including vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. Authorities have indicated that her admission of drinking could lead to additional penalties, underscoring the gravity of her actions. The speed with which law enforcement identified and apprehended her speaks to the diligence of the joint investigation, which relied on witness accounts, physical evidence, and a meticulous tracing of her movements after the crash. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, which took over the case following the initial response by the sheriff’s office, had earlier appealed to the public for help in locating the driver responsible, a call that proved unnecessary as the investigation quickly zeroed in on Layman.
The details of this case have gripped Grundy County and beyond, not only for the senseless loss of life but for the bizarre twist of Layman’s social media activity. Her decision to engage with posts related to the very incident she caused has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about her state of mind. Was it an attempt to deflect suspicion, a misguided expression of remorse, or something else entirely? As the legal process unfolds, these questions may find answers, but for now, they hang heavily over a community mourning one of its own.
For Bobby Dan Green’s loved ones, the pain of his absence is compounded by the circumstances of his death—struck down in an instant by a driver who chose to run rather than render aid. The intersection where he took his final ride, once an unremarkable corner of Palmer, now serves as a somber memorial to a life cut short. As Haley Layman awaits her day in court, the focus remains on justice for Green and support for those he left behind, a testament to the enduring strength of a community determined to heal even in the face of such a profound tragedy.