Kentucky State Police Investigate Fatal Collision in Hardin County

LEBANON JUNCTION, Ky. (February 16, 2026) –The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 4 is investigating a two-vehicle fatal collision that occurred earlier today on Interstate 65 in Hardin County.

On February 16, 2026, at approximately 9:46 a.m. EST, KSP troopers responded to a collision at the 103-mile marker on Interstate 65 northbound near Lebanon Junction.

The preliminary investigation indicates traffic on interstate 65 northbound had slowed due to a previous collision near the 106-mile marker. A blue Hyundai Elantra, operated by Drew Cookenmaster, 29, of Hodgenville, struck the rear of a northbound tractor-trailer operated by Shakisha Brewington, 52, of Schertz, Texas.

Cookenmaster was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Hardin County Coroner. The operator of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

The northbound lanes of Interstate 65 at the Joe Prather exit were closed for approximately 3 hours to allow troopers to reconstruct the collision. The investigation remains ongoing by Trooper Scott Wheatley.

KSP was assisted at the scene by the Hardin County EMS, Hardin County Coroner’s Office, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Junction Fire Department, and Central Hardin Fire Department. 

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