A Tennessee pastor was fatally injured after a collision with a semi-truck during his routine biking route on the morning of August 26 in Alcoa.

According to People, Rowland Buck, 61, a well-respected pastor from Alcoa, died after being critically injured in a sideswipe accident involving a semi-truck on his way to church.

The incident occurred just before 8 a.m. at the intersection of East Hunt Road and North Wright Road in Alcoa, Tennessee. According to the Alcoa Police Department, both the semi-truck and the cyclist were heading in the same direction when they made contact. The cyclist, identified later as Rowland Buck, was struck by the side of the passing truck.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and immediately began performing life-saving efforts, including CPR, on Buck at the scene. He was then quickly transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Hospital. Despite emergency intervention, Buck later died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Officials confirmed that Buck was a longtime resident of Alcoa and a pastor at St. Mark’s Global Methodist Church located in nearby Louisville, Tennessee. He had served the congregation since 2019 and was an ordained elder within the wider Global Methodist Church.

Church Community Mourns Respected Pastor

Rev. Todd Chancey, a fellow church leader, noted that Buck served not only his local congregation but also held prominent roles within the denomination. Buck was dean of the Cabinet for the MidSouth Annual Conference and presiding elder over the Knoxville District. These roles placed him at the heart of religious leadership in the region.

Beyond his church duties, Buck was a family man with decades of devotion to his wife, Sinda, his high school sweetheart. The couple had been married for 38 years. Friends and family say that Rowland Buck’s relationships extended far beyond church walls, reaching deeply into the lives of loved ones and fellow ministers.

Jason Rowe, a close friend and fellow pastor, reflected on the loss. Having known Buck for two decades, Rowe said Buck had personally baptized his oldest child during a memorable visit to their former seminary. He described the late pastor as “a mighty warrior” and someone filled with sincere faith in Christ.

Remembering His Deep Personal Connections

Rowe emphasized that Buck’s greatest legacy may be his authentic character. "He lived his religion and wanted people to experience and know the peace of Christ," Rowe said. He further remarked that Buck’s impact was far-reaching, noting the overwhelming community reaction to his passing as evidence of his influence.

"He loved people that way," Rowe continued. "That’s why we see such a big response in our community. He was an impact maker. He impacted the lives of people, of friends. He was just a genuine person, and we’ve lost a good one."

Rowe also spoke of their friendship in terms of family. “It was like brothers,” he said. “We got to eat together, we pray together, we go conference together. It was just like a brotherhood.” Their connection stretched far beyond shared ministry roles and represented a personal bond sustained over years of faith, meals, and collaboration.

Final Arrangements and Community Support

St. Mark's Global Methodist Church, in a statement posted on their website, asked for thoughts and prayers on behalf of Buck’s wife and family. “Please keep Sinda and the family in your prayers!” the message read. The church has yet to announce specific funeral arrangements, stating that the family will release those details at a later time.

The scene of the accident, a busy stretch near the heart of Alcoa, highlighted the risks cyclists face even during routine morning rides. Residents familiar with Buck's morning habits say he often biked early in the day as part of his personal routine before heading to worship services or meetings.

The Alcoa Police Department continues to investigate the crash. As of now, no additional information about the truck driver’s identity or potential citations has been released publicly. Buck’s death has reignited safety concerns around shared roadways in residential areas of Blount County.

Legacy of Leadership and Faith

Throughout his community and denomination, Buck was a well-known leader who combined administrative leadership with pastoral care. At St. Mark’s and within the Knoxville District, his guidance had both spiritual and organizational reach. He was considered a stabilizing and visionary figure by colleagues and congregants alike.

In the wake of this tragedy, many across Tennessee and within the Methodist community have expressed sorrow and pledged to continue the work Buck championed in life. His dedication to both personal relationships and larger church missions left a legacy that is expected to influence local faith communities for years to come.

For those who knew Rowland Buck personally, his faith, integrity, and dedication to others were not only admired but emulated. As tributes continue to pour in, his life stands as an example of quiet leadership and enduring kindness.