Two Men Died Tuesday In Shelby County, Kentucky In Separate Auto Accidents

Randall Thornton, age 50, was killed in a single vehicle accident involving the tractor-trailer truck he was driving. Mr. Thornton’s truck was reportedly traveling on I-64 west of the Simpsonville Exit when it struck an abandoned vehicle that was in the emergency lane. The collision caused Mr. Thornton’s truck to leave the roadway, striking several trees, and coming to rest on its side. Randall Thornton was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. Mr. Thornton’s family will have a workers compensation legal claim from the events that lead to his death. Additionally, examination of the circumstances surrounding the abandoned vehicle may lead to a potential wrongful death claim related to the truck crash.

George W. Downs, age 74, was killed in an auto accident that also occurred Tuesday in Shelby County, Kentucky. Mr. Downs’ vehicle crossed the center line on Elmsburg Road and struck two pickups. Mr. Downs was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Bruce Pavero, age 47, of Bagdad, Kentucky was injured in this accident and transported to Frankfort Regional Hospital for treatment of his injuries.