KSP NEWS RELEASE
Hopkinsville, KY (Christian County) – The Kentucky State Police is investigating a fatality collision involving a tractor-trailer and a farm tractor that occurred on US 68, approximately four miles east of Hopkinsville, on Wednesday, April 27 at 2:17 p.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Jerry S. Williams, 43, Summertown, TN, was operating a farm tractor westbound on US 68 in the right lane. The farm tractor was pulling a trailer loaded with wooden pallets. Jason T. Stahl, 40, Glasgow, KY, was operating a 2012 Freightliner tractor-trailer westbound on US 68 approaching the farm tractor from behind.
Mr. Stahl attempted to merge into the left lane when he observed a motorcycle approaching in the left lane. Mr. Stahl applied his brakes in an attempt to avoid colliding with the farm tractor, but was unsuccessful. The tractor-trailer rear-ended the farm tractor’s trailer causing Mr. Williams to be ejected. The tractor-trailer came to rest on the westbound shoulder of the roadway. The farm tractor came to rest on its side in a ditch off the westbound side of the roadway.
Mr. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene by the Christian County Coroner’s Office. The farm tractor was not equipped with a seatbelt. Mr. Stahl, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured.
Trooper First Class Michael Dennis is investigating the collision. KSP Post 2 units, KSP CVE, the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, the Hopkinsville Fire Department, Hopkinsville/Christian County EMS, and the Christian County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.
The collision remains under investigation by the KSP.