Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision in McCreary County

STEARNS, Ky. (February 8, 2026) – Kentucky State Police Post 11, London, is investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred early Sunday morning in McCreary County.

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on February 8, 2026, Kentucky State Police Troopers  responded to the scene at the request of the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office. The collision occurred on Wilburn K. Ross Highway near the 600 block in Stearns, Kentucky.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Darrell L. Ball, 60, of Stearns, Kentucky, was operating a westbound vehicle on Wilburn K. Ross Highway when the vehicle exited the right side of the roadway.  The vehicle overturned, struck a tree, and Mr. Ball was ejected from the vehicle. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.

The McCreary County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene where Mr. Ball was pronounced deceased at approximately 2:15 a.m.

Trooper Derek Dennis is leading the ongoing investigation.

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