Kentucky State Police Investigate Fatal Collision in Rockcastle County 

MOUNT VERNON, KY (April 18, 2026) – On Saturday, April 18, 2026, around 1:00 p.m. EST, the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London received a call from Rockcastle County 911 of a collision on KY 461 near the intersection of White Rock Rd. Upon the arrival of the troopers, they were informed that one of the drivers was deceased.

Preliminary investigation determined that a 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis operated by Hollis Smith, 70 years old of Somerset, KY. Mr. Smith was traveling northbound on KY 461 when he crossed the center line into the southbound lane into the path of a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia operated by Jeffson Joseph, 32 years old of Apopka, FL, which led to the two vehicles colliding.

As a result of the collision, Mr. Smith received fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Rockcastle County Coroner. Next of kin has been notified.

At this time, it is not believed that drugs or alcohol are a factor in this collision. An autopsy has been requested and is pending at this time. This incident remains under investigation by Detective Shane Bowling of KSP. Detective Bowling was assisted on scene by KSP personnel, the Mount Vernon Fire Department, Rockcastle EMS, and the Rockcastle County Coroner’s Office.

# # #