Driver arrested after fatal hit-and-run crash in Ballard County
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
LA CENTER, Ky., (KBSI) — Kentucky State Police Post 1 has identified the driver involved in a hit-and-run crash Tuesday night in Ballard County that left one woman dead and another injured.
According to Kentucky State Police, troopers and deputies with the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office identified the second vehicle involved in the crash as a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Elijah Cook, 21, of La Center.
Investigators said the Grand Marquis struck the rear of a 2014 Nissan Rogue driven by Robbin McPhail, 55, of Fair Grove, Missouri, while both vehicles were traveling eastbound on U.S. 60. The impact caused the Nissan to strike a guardrail before leaving the roadway and hitting a tree.
McPhail sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital. A passenger in the vehicle, Deborah Martin, 72, of Fair Grove, Missouri, suffered life-threatening injuries and later died at a hospital.
Cook was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to maintain insurance and tampering with physical evidence. He was lodged in the Ballard County Jail.
KSP thanked members of the public who provided tips and information during the investigation.
The crash happened May 19 near the intersection of U.S. 60 and Kentucky Route 310. Investigators said the suspect vehicle initially fled the scene before being identified through evidence and citizen reports.
The investigation remains ongoing by Trooper Cody Jackson.
