Kentucky State Police Investigate Knott County Fatal Crash

SASSAFRAS, Ky. (July 17, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 13 in Hazard is investigating a single-vehicle collision that claimed the life of a Knott County woman.

KSP received the call shortly before 4:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026. Troopers, along with emergency medical personnel, responded to the scene on KY-15 in the Sassafras community of Knott County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Melisa Slone, 39, of Garner, was operating a white Chevrolet Silverado northbound on KY-15 when the vehicle struck a rock in the roadway. The impact caused the vehicle to lose control and overturn, resulting in Slone being ejected from the vehicle. Slone was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Knott County Coroner’s Office.

The preliminary investigation indicates that no seat belt was in use at the time of the collision. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor, and toxicology results are pending. The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Trooper Todd Whitson.

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