Hazard, Ky. (February 23, 2019) – Two people were killed following a multi-vehicle collision in Perry County Saturday afternoon. Kentucky State Police Post 13 received calls advising of the crash at around 3:06 p.m., at which time several Troopers were dispatched to the scene on Highway 15 in the Grapevine community. Members of Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Ambulance, Chavies Fire Department and Watts-Caney Fire Department assisted at the scene.
The initial investigation determined that a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, operated by 59 year old Robert Campbell of Hazard was traveling south on KY 15, when the car crossed into the northbound lane. Campbell’s car collide with a 2006 Ford Ranger and a 2013 Kia Optima before coming to rest. The driver of the Kia, 48 year old Judy Willoughby of Booneville, KY was pronounced deceased at the scene by Perry County Deputy Coroner John Collett. Richard Willoughby, Judy Willoughby’s husband and a passenger in the Kia, was transported to Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford Ranger, John Roberts of Bear Branch, KY, was not injured. Robert Campbell was transported to Hazard ARH where he later died from injuries sustained during this collision.
Investigators do not suspect impairment as a contributing factor at this time. Toxicology results from samples obtained from all drivers are pending. These samples are routinely collected from drivers in the course of a fatal crash investigation. No autopsies will be performed, and this incident remains under investigation by Detective Brandon Thomas with KSP Post 13.
