Hendersonville, TN – The tight-knit community of Hendersonville is in mourning following the devastating loss of Linda Alkasem, her mother Evelyn, and sister Debbie Wall, who were all tragically killed in a car accident early Sunday morning. The incident has prompted the closure of the beloved local eatery, Cafe Rakka, which the victims were closely tied to.
Tragic Weekend Incident
Linda Alkasem, alongside her mother and sister, were involved in a fatal collision off Interstate 24 in South Nashville. The news was confirmed by Linda’s husband, who co-owned Cafe Rakka at 71 New Shackle Island Road, a popular spot known for its commitment to fresh, homemade food. Mr. Alkasem announced that the cafe would close for three days to mourn the profound loss.
In a heartfelt message on the restaurant’s social media pages, Mr. Alkasem expressed his sorrow: “Cafe Rakka will be closed for three days of mourning due to the loss of my wife, my partner in life, the mother of my kids, and the visionary of our business. Linda, her sister Debbie Wall, and their mother Evelyn did not survive the accident. Linda lived a beautiful life and left behind a family that loves her dearly and friends who will remember her as a kind, beautiful, and wonderful mother and grandmother. Our family is going to miss them all very much.”
Details of the Accident
The Metro Nashville Police Department reported that the accident occurred when a 2017 Infiniti Q50, driven by 19-year-old Kevonta Lane of Nashville, veered off the interstate. The vehicle traveled into a grassy area and then into a wooded region before coming to a stop. The crash took place around 2:30 AM but was not reported until two hours later when Lane’s family located the vehicle using a GPS application and contacted emergency services.
The aftermath of the accident saw the closure of I-24 for approximately an hour as emergency crews worked at the scene. The highway was reopened around 6:15 AM after thorough investigations and clearing operations.
Community Response
The accident has sent shockwaves through the Hendersonville community, where the Alkasem family is well-known and respected. The loss is particularly felt at Cafe Rakka, where Linda was a familiar face who shared her passion for food and community with every patron.
Local residents and regular customers have started laying flowers and memorials at the cafe, sharing messages of condolence and support for the bereaved family. Community leaders have also reached out to offer their sympathies and help organize support for the family during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial reports from security footage indicate that after the accident, individuals in another vehicle approached the crashed Infiniti before eventually leaving the scene. Police are looking to identify these individuals as part of their ongoing inquiry.
The community of Hendersonville, while grappling with this tragic loss, is coming together to support one another and the Alkasem family. As this small town mourns, the memory of Linda, Evelyn, and Debbie remains at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts, reminding all of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of tragedy.
