Tragic Traffic Accident in Lexington Claims Life of Woman

Lexington, Kentucky, September 24, 2025

News Summary

A tragic accident on Leestown Road in Lexington involved a garbage truck and a passenger vehicle, leading to the death of 47-year-old Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford. She was a passenger in the car that crashed and later died at UK Chandler Hospital. The driver of the car suffered life-threatening injuries while the garbage truck driver reported no injuries. An investigation is ongoing to understand the circumstances of this fatal incident, with temporary road closures during the investigation.

Lexington, Kentucky – A tragic traffic accident involving a garbage truck and a passenger car occurred on Monday, leading to the death of a 47-year-old woman from Frankfort. The fatal collision was reported by the Lexington Police Department shortly after 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Leestown Road and Bradley Lane.

The victim, identified as Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford, was a passenger in the car. Following the crash, she was transported to UK Chandler Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy conducted by the Fayette County Coroner confirmed that Shackleford died from blunt force trauma as a result of the collision.

The driver of the car, who has not been named, sustained life-threatening injuries and was also taken to the hospital. Their current condition remains unknown. Meanwhile, the driver of the garbage truck reported no injuries from the incident.

As a result of the collision, both directions of Leestown Road were temporarily closed while authorities conducted their investigation. The Lexington Police are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Updates regarding the ongoing investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.

Details of the Collision

The crash occurred near a busy intersection, where Leestown Road intersects Bradley Lane, an area typically bustling with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The combination of a large truck and a passenger vehicle raises questions about visibility and road-sharing safety.

Investigation Status

Authorities are diligently working to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident. They are expected to examine various factors including road conditions, the behavior of the drivers involved, and any potential mechanical failures that could have contributed to the crash.

Community Response

The community is rallying around Shackleford’s family during this difficult time. As the investigation unfolds, many are reflecting on the importance of road safety, especially in areas frequented by heavy vehicles such as garbage trucks. Officials remind drivers to remain vigilant and attentive on the road to help prevent accidents.

Background on Traffic Safety Concerns

Road safety continues to be a pressing issue across the United States, where collisions between large commercial vehicles and passenger cars can often result in serious injuries or fatalities. According to national statistics, accidents involving trucks account for approximately 12% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes. These statistics highlight the need for public awareness regarding safe driving practices and the importance of following traffic regulations.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the crash continues, residents and officials remain vigilant, hoping that this tragic incident can serve as a reminder to prioritize safety on the roads. Further updates on the investigation into Shackleford’s death are anticipated.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Serious Crash on Leestown Road Leaves Two Injured
Multiple Incidents on Kentucky Roads Result in Fatalities and Injuries
Vehicle Collisions Raise Alarm Over Road Safety in Lexington
Pedestrian Accident Claims Life of 49-Year-Old in Lexington
Tragic Weekend of Fatal Car Crashes in Lexington, Kentucky
Former UK Cheerleader Charged in Infant’s Death
Pedestrian Fatally Struck on East New Circle Road
Lexington Area Experiences Series of Vehicle Crashes Resulting in Multiple Injuries and One Fatality
Lexington Man Struck and Killed by Vehicle
Water Main Break on Louden Avenue Disrupts Traffic in Lexington

Additional Resources

• Fox 56 News
• Wikipedia: Traffic accidents in the United States
• WKYT News
• Google Search: Lexington garbage truck accident
• LEX 18 News
• Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Kentucky
• WKYT News – Fatal Crash
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
• Kentucky.com
• Google News: Lexington traffic accident

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.