CARTER COUNTY, KY – A tragic accident claimed the life of a 38-year-old man on Thursday when a tree fell onto his vehicle on US 60 near Fleming Fork. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) identified the victim as Daniel Stone, a resident of Olive Hill.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:14 p.m. as Stone was driving east in his 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. Without warning, a tree collapsed onto his vehicle, causing severe damage and ejecting Stone from the truck. Emergency responders from Carter County EMS and the Carter County Coroner’s Office rushed to the scene, but Stone was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
KSP investigators are examining several potential factors that may have contributed to the incident, including the condition of the tree and weather conditions at the time of the accident. It remains unclear whether strong winds, heavy rain, or other environmental factors played a role in the tree’s fall.
The sudden and devastating nature of the accident has left the Carter County community in shock. Local residents have expressed their condolences to Stone’s family, mourning the loss of a man known for his contributions to the community.
This incident underscores the unpredictable dangers posed by natural elements such as falling trees, particularly during severe weather or along rural roadways bordered by dense vegetation. Authorities may use findings from the investigation to recommend preventive measures, such as identifying and addressing at-risk trees near roadways.
As the investigation continues, officials urge drivers to remain vigilant in areas with heavy tree cover, particularly during inclement weather. The Kentucky State Police encourage anyone with additional information about the accident to come forward.
The community of Carter County mourns the untimely loss of Daniel Stone, with friends and family remembering him as a kind-hearted individual. Efforts to improve roadway safety may serve as a lasting tribute to his memory, helping to protect others from similar tragedies in the future.