HARDIN COUNTY, KY. (THECOUNT) — A devastating accident on Sunday night in Hardin County, Kentucky, has claimed the lives of a respected deputy and his wife. The two-vehicle collision, involving a motorcycle and a Buick Envista, occurred around 8 p.m. at the intersection of the U.S. 31W bypass and the westbound ramp to the Western Kentucky Parkway (WKP).
Incident Details:
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Kentucky State Police Trooper Cole Payne, while on patrol, discovered the tragic scene and promptly reported the collision. According to the KSP news release, off-duty Hardin County Deputy Billy Edwards, 67, of Elizabethtown, was operating a 2023 Harley Davidson motorcycle when a 2024 Buick Envista attempted a sharp right turn onto the WKP exit ramp. This maneuver led to a collision with the motorcycle, causing it to lose control and veer off onto the shoulder of the ramp.
Victims Identified:
Deputy Billy Edwards and his wife, Kathy Edwards, 58, of Elizabethtown, were ejected from the motorcycle due to the impact. Tragically, both were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Buick, however, reported no injuries.
Career and Community Impact:
Deputy Edwards was a 24-year veteran of the Elizabethtown Police Department and was currently serving as a school resource officer at Creekside Elementary School for the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. His sudden and untimely death has left a significant void in the community he served so diligently.
Investigation Underway:
Kentucky State Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the collision. Details regarding the precise cause of the accident and any contributing factors are still being determined. The tragic loss of Deputy Edwards and his wife underscores the dangers that motorcyclists face on the road and the profound impact such accidents have on communities.
Community Response:
The Hardin County community is in mourning following the loss of Deputy Edwards and Kathy Edwards. As friends, family, and colleagues come to terms with the tragedy, the community is rallying together to support one another during this difficult time.
Conclusion:
The tragic collision in Hardin County serves as a somber reminder of the risks on the road and the importance of cautious driving. The loss of Deputy Billy Edwards and his wife Kathy is deeply felt across the community, marking a significant loss for all who knew and respected them.