Frankfort, KY, September 25, 2025
News Summary
A serious crash on Leestown Road in Frankfort has led to the tragic death of Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford, a 47-year-old passenger. The incident occurred when a vehicle carrying Shackleford collided with a garbage truck, causing life-threatening injuries. Emergency services transported the victims to UK Hospital, where Shackleford was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The circumstances of the crash are currently under investigation by the Lexington Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit, as the community grapples with the implications of road safety, particularly concerning larger vehicles.
Frankfort, KY – A tragic accident on Leestown Road resulted in the death of a 47-year-old woman, Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford, from Frankfort. The crash occurred in the 3000 block of Leestown Road, near Bradley Lane, just after 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Shackleford was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a garbage truck, suffering severe injuries that led to her untimely death.
Emergency responders transported both occupants of the car to University of Kentucky Hospital, where Shackleford was pronounced dead at 4:40 p.m. An autopsy, conducted at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort, confirmed her cause of death as blunt force trauma injuries sustained during the accident. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has ruled her death as an accident.
As of Wednesday morning, the condition of the driver of the car remains unknown. Fortunately, the driver of the garbage truck was uninjured in the incident. The Lexington Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating the details surrounding this crash.
Details of the Incident
- Incident occurred on Leestown Road, specifically in the 3000 block near Bradley Lane.
- The deadly crash took place on Monday, September 24, 2025, just after 3:30 p.m.
- The Lexington Police are leading the investigation with their Collision Reconstruction Unit.
Victim Information
- Victim: Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford, 47 years old.
- Residence: Frankfort, KY.
- Condition at the hospital: Pronounced dead due to injuries from the crash.
- Time of death: 4:40 p.m. on the same day as the accident.
- Cause of death: Blunt force trauma.
Investigation Status
- Investigation into the crash is ongoing by the Lexington Police Department.
- The driver of the garbage truck suffered no injuries.
- The condition of the vehicle driver remains unconfirmed.
This incident underscores the potential dangers on the road involving larger vehicles such as garbage trucks, raising important questions about road safety for all drivers and passengers. Communities are often reminded of the seriousness of adhering to road regulations and maintaining vigilance while driving, particularly in areas intersecting with commercial vehicles.
Background Context
Traffic accidents involving heavy vehicles have been a continuing concern across the United States, with fatalities occurring frequently due to the sheer weight and size of commercial vehicles compared to passenger cars. Local law enforcement agencies regularly conduct traffic safety campaigns to raise awareness about driving safely around larger vehicles and to improve overall road safety.
FAQ Section
- What happened in the accident on Leestown Road?
- There was a crash involving a garbage truck and a car, resulting in the death of a 47-year-old woman, Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford, who was a passenger in the car.
- Who was the victim in the crash?
- The victim was Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford, aged 47, from Frankfort, KY.
- What was the cause of death for Rebecca Shackleford?
- Her cause of death was ruled as blunt force trauma injuries resulting from the crash.
- Is the driver of the car injured?
- The condition of the car’s driver remains unknown as of Wednesday.
- Is anyone from the garbage truck injured?
- No, the driver of the garbage truck was reported to be uninjured in the accident.
- Who is investigating the crash?
- The investigation is being conducted by the Lexington Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit.
Crash Details Chart
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim Name | Rebecca Elizabeth Shackleford |
| Victim Age | 47 |
| Date of Accident | September 24, 2025 |
| Time of Accident | 3:30 PM |
| Location | 3000 block of Leestown Road, near Bradley Lane |
| Cause of Death | Blunt force trauma |
| Investigation Agency | Lexington Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Serious Crash on Leestown Road Leaves Two Injured
Vehicle Collisions Raise Alarm Over Road Safety in Lexington
Major Roadwork Scheduled in Lexington’s Downtown Area
Lane Closures Planned on West High Street in Lexington
Road Closures for New Circle Road Widening Project in Lexington
Lexington Welcomes New Medical Professionals and Expands Local Institutions
Single-Vehicle Crash in Lexington, Kentucky Leaves Driver Injured
Four Injured in Lexington Two-Vehicle Crash
Lane Closures on Leestown Road for Widening Project
Additional Resources
- WKYT: 2 Hospitalized After Lexington Crash Involving Garbage Truck
- Kentucky.com: Fatal Crash in Lexington
- Fox 56 News: 2 Injured in Lexington After Crash Involving Garbage Truck
- LEX18: 1 Receives Minor Injuries After Crash With Garbage Truck
- Kentucky.com: Kentucky Road Safety News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: Traffic Accidents
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Studies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- Google News: Traffic Safety News

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