Kentucky State Police Investigate Knott County Fatal Accident

Emmalena, KY (July 30, 2025) – On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at approximately 2:27 P.M., Kentucky State Police, Post 13 in Hazard, responded to a 911 call reporting a fatal ATV accident on a surface mine road located off Sylvester Branch in the Emmalena community of Knott County.

Preliminary investigation indicates that an 11-year-old juvenile male was operating the ATV at a high rate of speed when he lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn multiple times. The juvenile was ejected from the ATV and sustained fatal injuries.

The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Knott County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy has been scheduled, and toxicology results are pending. The operator was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. The investigation is ongoing and is being led by Trooper Branden Watts.

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