Kentucky State Police Investing Fatal Collision in Whitley County

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (October 3, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police, Post 11 London, is investigating a three-vehicle collision that occurred Friday afternoon on US 25W North in Whitley County.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., KSP Post 11 was notified of the crash. Trooper Colder responded to the scene, and Detective Shane Bowling was called to conduct accident reconstruction.

The initial investigation indicates that a red Chevrolet Sonic, operated by a juvenile, was traveling southbound when it crossed the center line and sideswiped a white Toyota RAV4 traveling northbound. The RAV4 was operated by Danny Burton, 68, of Lexington, KY.

Following the collision, the juvenile continued south in the northbound lane before crossing back into the southbound lane and leaving the roadway. Mr. Burton’s vehicle then crossed the center line and collided head-on with a white Chevrolet Tahoe operated by Starlin Shephard.

The juvenile, Mr. Burton, and Mr. Shephard were transported by Whitley County EMS to Baptist Health in Corbin. The juvenile sustained minor injuries and was treated and released. Mr. Shephard was also treated for minor injuries and released.

Mr. Burton was pronounced deceased at 5:50 p.m. by the Whitley County Coroner. Next of kin has been notified.

Detective Bowling is continuing the investigation. Kentucky State Police was assisted at the scene by Whitley County EMS and the Whitley County Coroner’s Office.

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