22-year-old Kentucky highway worker fatally struck in crash

HODGENVILLE, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet worker is dead after a crash in LaRue County.

Around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Kentucky State Police said they were called to investigate a crash that happened near Old Elizabethtown Road, where a van struck a highway worker.

Troopers said that 74-year-old Henry James was driving down the road that had been reduced to one lane when he reportedly hit 22-year-old Blake Barnes while flagging traffic.

The LaRue County Coroner’s Office declared Barnes dead at the scene. James was not injured in the crash.

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Gov. Andy Beshear called the accident “heartbreaking.”.

“Let us all lift his loved ones up in prayers of comfort during this difficult time,” Beshear said.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray took to social media to express their regret regarding Barnes’ death.

“Our hearts ache for the loss of a transportation team member today. We extend our sincere condolences to all those impacted by this tragedy. Please join us in lifting up the families, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.

The safety and well-being of all employees is a top priority, and we are working with authorities as they review the incident. The contracted employee was part of a maintenance operation on KY 210 in LaRue County when he was struck by a vehicle. Out of respect for the privacy of the individual’s loved ones and until we have a clearer understanding of the events, we have no further details at this time.”

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

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