Kentucky State Police troopers are investigating a two-vehicle wreck which killed a Greenville woman and injured two others. Troopers were notified of the wreck around 1 a.m. by Ohio County authorities.
Preliminary investigation reveals Zachary T. Barker, 25, of Utica, was operating a side-by-side UTV on a gravel haul road near KY 85 outside of Centertown (Ohio County). James H. Rone, 51, of Centertown, was operating another side-by-side UTV traveling with Barker. Barker failed to see Rone attempting to pass him and steered his vehicle into the driver’s side rear of Rone’s vehicle. The collision caused Rone’s UTV to lose control and overturn multiple times. Passengers Ashley L. Carver, 39 of Greenville, Tonya Rone, 44 of Centertown and a ten-year-old juvenile were all ejected from the UTV.
Tonya Rone and the juvenile were both transported via Air Evac to St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Ind., for life-threatening injuries. Their condition is currently unknown.
Ohio County Coroner’s Office pronounced Carver deceased on-scene.
Troopers determined Barker and Rone were under the influence and both were arrested. They were charged with murder; assault 1st degree; wanton endangerment 1st degree and driving under the influence – aggravated circumstances.
Troopers also arrested Gregory M. Barker, 49 of Hartford for obstructing emergency responders 1st degree; menacing and disorderly conduct. All three men were transported to Ohio County Detention Center in Hartford where they are being held.
Kentucky State Police troopers were assisted by Ohio County Coroner’s Office, Ohio County Sheriff’s Department; Centertown Fire Department; Ohio County EMS and Air Evac.
The investigation is on-going by KSP.
