Whitley County, October 5, 2025
News Summary
A tragic three-vehicle collision on US 25W North in Whitley County left 68-year-old Danny Burton dead. The accident involved a juvenile driver whose vehicle crossed the center line, sideswiping Burton’s car and leading to a head-on collision. Emergency responders quickly transported all drivers involved to a local hospital, but Burton succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, emphasizing the need for road safety awareness.
Whitley County: One Man Killed in Three-Vehicle Collision on US 25W North
A tragic three-vehicle collision on US 25W North in Whitley County resulted in the death of 68-year-old Danny Burton from Lexington on Friday afternoon. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) were alerted to the accident around 4:45 p.m., prompting an immediate response from local authorities.
According to initial investigations, a juvenile driver behind the wheel of a red Chevrolet Sonic was traveling southbound when the vehicle crossed the center line. This maneuver resulted in the Sonic sideswiping a white Toyota RAV4 driven by Burton, who was traveling northbound at the time. After the sideswipe, the juvenile driver veered back into the northbound lane before returning to the southbound lane.
This sequence of events led Burton’s RAV4 to collide head-on with a white Chevrolet Tahoe operated by Starlin Shephard. Emergency responders from Whitley County EMS quickly arrived on the scene to provide assistance to all three drivers involved in the crash. Following the accident, all were transported to Baptist Health in Corbin for medical evaluation and treatment.
The juvenile driver was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital, as was Starlin Shephard, who also sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, Danny Burton was pronounced dead at 5:50 p.m. by the Whitley County Coroner shortly after arriving at the medical facility. The authorities have since notified Burton’s next of kin about his tragic passing.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing and is being led by Detective Shane Bowling, who has been assigned specifically for accident reconstruction. KSP was supported at the scene by Whitley County EMS and the Whitley County Coroner’s Office, ensuring a thorough and immediate response to the tragic incident.
Background Context
Three-vehicle accidents can often lead to severe outcomes, particularly when one vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic. Data from previous years indicates that head-on collisions frequently result in fatalities due to the nature of the impact. The Kentucky State Police urge drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of such accidents. Their ongoing investigation aims to clarify the events leading up to the collision, enabling them to provide a detailed report that may help inform future safety campaigns.
Conclusion
The accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the repercussions of distracted or reckless driving. Authorities will continue their investigation, and the community mourns the loss of Mr. Burton while hoping for improved safety measures on local roadways.
FAQ Section
What caused the three-vehicle collision in Whitley County?
The collision was caused when a juvenile driver in a red Chevrolet Sonic crossed the center line and sideswiped a white Toyota RAV4, leading to a head-on collision with a Chevrolet Tahoe.
What were the outcomes for the drivers involved in the accident?
Danny Burton was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. The juvenile driver and Starlin Shephard sustained minor injuries and were treated and released.
Who is investigating the accident?
The Kentucky State Police and Detective Shane Bowling are leading the investigation into the accident.
What safety measures are being considered following this incident?
The KSP aims to evaluate the circumstances of the accident to potentially implement improved traffic safety measures in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBKO: KSP Investigating Fatal Whitley County Collision
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WBONTV: Three Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Lexington Man
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Measures
- WANE: Crash in Whitley County Results in Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- LEX18: Fatal Motorcycle Collision on I-75 in Whitley County Leaves One Dead
- Google News: Kentucky State Police
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