KNOXVILLE, TN — A tragic accident at a construction site in Knoxville’s Fort Sanders neighborhood has claimed the life of 21-year-old Jackson Gervasio of Marquette, Michigan. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025, and has left his loved ones grieving a vibrant young man whose life was cut far too short.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, emergency personnel responded to a distress call around 2 a.m. at a construction site near Lake Avenue and 19th Street. Officers from both KPD and the University of Tennessee Police Department arrived to find Gervasio unresponsive after what authorities believe was a fall from a crane. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest that Gervasio may have entered the construction site by climbing over a fence and ascending the crane before falling. Officials also indicated that alcohol may have been a factor in the incident. His body has been transported to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for further examination.
Jackson Gervasio was known among his peers for his adventurous spirit, generous heart, and an infectious sense of humor that brought light to any room he entered. A recent college student with aspirations in engineering and a deep love for the outdoors, Jackson often spent his time hiking, biking, and exploring with friends. He was deeply connected to his Michigan roots and held his family in the highest regard.
Back home in Marquette, the news of Jackson’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. Friends describe him as someone who lived life with passion and authenticity—a loyal son, a dependable friend, and a young man who embraced new experiences with enthusiasm and joy.
“He had this way of making you feel like you mattered,” one close friend shared. “Jackson had big dreams and a heart just as big. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
His family is now mourning the unimaginable loss of a son and brother, and they ask for privacy and compassion as they navigate this devastating time. They are expected to release details regarding memorial services in the coming days.
While the circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, what remains clear is that Jackson’s life, full of promise and energy, ended far too soon. His passing serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by construction sites and the importance of safety around such areas.
In the days ahead, those who knew and loved Jackson Gervasio will gather not only to grieve, but to remember a young man who touched many lives in just 21 short years.
His story is not defined by how he died, but by the life he lived—with curiosity, courage, and compassion. He will be dearly missed.