One Dead in Knott County Crash

Rockfork, Ky.  (May 4, 2018) – A two vehicle crash in Knott County claimed one life this morning on Highway 80. 

Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a call advising of the collision in the Rockfork community at 5:53 a.m.  Trooper Leo Slone and CVE Officer Tony Brashear were called to the scene to investigate.  Ball Creek Fire Department and Trans Star Ambulance Service also responded to assist.

 

The initial investigation determined that 23 year old Zachery Patrick of Emmalena, was operating a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck while traveling east on KY 80.  Patrick’s truck collided with the rear end section of a 1995 Kenworth tractor trailer, which was also traveling east on KY 80.  Patrick was entrapped inside his vehicle, and had to be removed by mechanical means by Ball Creek Fire Department.  Trans Star Ambulance transported Zachary Patrick to the Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased by the Perry County Coroner’s Office.

The driver of the Kenworth, 64 year old Kelly Smith of Fisty was not injured.

 

Toxicology results from both drivers, which are collected during fatal collision investigations, are pending.  Kelly Smith was wearing a seatbelt at the time of this collision, while Zachery Patrick was not.  This incident remains under the investigation of Tpr, Leo Slone with KSP Post 13.