Madisonville, KY (Hopkins County) – The Kentucky State Police is investigating a two-vehicle, fatality-collision that occurred on KY 139 North, just south of the intersection of Carner Hill Road, on Sunday, February 14, at 7:28 a.m.
State Police say their preliminary investigation revealed that 25 user old Travis Hale, of Princeton, KY, was operating a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup northbound on KY 139 North, just south of Carner Hill Road. According to the report, 72 year old Jeraldine Reece, of Princeton, KY, was operating a 2002 Honda CRV southbound on KY 139 North, approaching Hale’s vehicle when For an unknown reason, Hale’s vehicle crossed the center line into the southbound lane of travel. Police indicate Reece swerved to avoid a head on collision, crossing into the northbound lane of travel, but Hale then swerved back into the northbound lane of travel, crashing head-on into Hale’s vehicle. Hale’s vehicle came to final rest just off the northbound shoulder facing northwest, and Reece’s vehicle came to final rest in the southbound lane of travel facing west.
According to state police, Reece was wearing a seatbelt, and was pronounced dead at the scene by Caldwell County Coroner, Dewayne Trafford.
KSI says Hale was not wearing a seatbelt, and was transported by Caldwell County EMS to Caldwell County Medical Center for injuries sustained as a result of the collision.
Trooper Ben Sawyer is investigating the collision. Sergeant Nick Rice, Trooper Daniel Holland, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the Princeton Fire Department, the Caldwell County EMS, and the Caldwell County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.
The collision remains under investigation by the KSP.