WAVERLY, Ky. A tragic crash in Union County last week has claimed a second life. Trooper Corey King, Public Information Officer for Kentucky State Police Post 16, tells WSON News that 35-year old Robert Bluem of Henderson died Saturday at Evansville’s Deaconess Hospital. Coroner Steve Lockyear says Bluem died of complications from the crash.
You may recall the Union County Sheriff’s Department was on patrol in the Morganfield area last Tuesday and performed a traffic stop on a Red Ford Contour near Wal-Mart on US 60 . As the deputy was approaching the vehicle, the operator sped away from the traffic stop. The deputy was not able to keep up with or even keep the vehicle insight. Minutes later, authorities received a 911 call reporting a wreck on US 60 near KY 141 in Union County involving the same vehicle from the earlier traffic stop.
The investigation revealed Bluem was traveling eastbound on US 60 at a very high rate of speed. It’s believed excessive speed was one of the contributing factors in him losing control and running off the north side of the roadway near KY 141. The vehicle struck a culvert and a tree before coming to final rest. Blum was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car.
The passenger in the vehicle was Bluem’s wife, 31-year old Linda L. Smith-Bluem, also of Henderson who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Union County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities say the vehicle Bluem was driving was reported stolen in Vanderburgh County, IN. The investigation also showed both Robert and Linda Bluem had warrants for their arrest.
The investigation by State Police continues.