LOUISVILLE, KY — Kentucky State Police are investigating a deadly crash in Hardin County that left one juvenile dead after a vehicle went off Bewley Hollow Road and into a flooded creek Saturday night. Troopers said the single-vehicle wreck happened near the 860 block of the road shortly before 9 p.m., when a 2005 Ford Mustang overturned and became partially submerged. Heavy rain and widespread flooding were affecting the area at the time. Three people were inside the car when it crashed.
Rescue In Floodwaters
State police said troopers, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Hardin County Emergency Management all responded to help people trapped in the vehicle. First responders were able to get all three occupants out and begin life-saving efforts at the scene. The crash location and the high water made the response more difficult, according to investigators. The vehicle had overturned in the creek, leaving the occupants inside until rescuers reached them.
Driver Identified
Investigators said the driver was 44-year-old David Rhodes of Elizabethtown. Rhodes was driving the Mustang on Bewley Hollow Road when he lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and enter the flooded creek. Two juveniles were passengers in the car with him. KSP said Rhodes and both juveniles were taken to Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown after the crash. Rhodes and one of the juveniles were treated for minor injuries and later released.
One Teen Dies
The other juvenile passenger was hurt more seriously and was moved to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville for further treatment. State police said that juvenile died on Sunday from the injuries suffered in the crash. KSP has not released the name of the juvenile. The death turned the collision into a fatal crash investigation, with troopers continuing to gather evidence about what led to the wreck and the role alcohol may have played.
Charges And Investigation
KSP said investigators later determined Rhodes had been drinking before the crash. He was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and first-degree assault. Police said more criminal charges are expected as the case moves forward. The investigation remains active, and officials have not said whether any other factors may have contributed to the crash beyond the driver’s impairment and the dangerous weather conditions.
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