Kentucky State Police Investigate Breathitt County Fatal Collision

JACKSON, Ky. (May 17, 2026) – One man is deceased following a two-vehicle collision in Breathitt County. Kentucky State Police (KSP) received a call regarding the collision on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at approximately 1:51 a.m. on KY-15 in the Jackson community.

Troopers and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates that John Southwood, 41, of Lost Creek, was operating a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on KY-15 when the vehicle crossed the center line and collided with a southbound 2016 Ford F-450 Perry County Ambulance that was returning to its station.

Southwood was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Breathitt County Coroner’s Office. Two ambulance crew members were transported to Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center for precautionary treatment.

The investigation determined that Southwood was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. Seat belts were in use by the other occupants involved. Toxicology results are pending, and an autopsy has been scheduled.

The collision remains under investigation and is being reconstructed by Trooper Branden Watts.

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