The Kentucky State Police Post 11 London investigates a Fatal Fire in Whitley County

ROCKHOLDS, Ky. (June 9, 2026) – On June 9, 2026, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 London was notified by Whitley County 911 of a fatal house fire in the Rockholds Community of Whitley County.

While extinguishing a structure fire, firefighters located a deceased male inside the residence. The male was later identified as Eddie W. Lester, 70 years old of Rockholds, KY. Mr Lester was pronounced deceased on scene by the Whitley County Coroner’s Office. Mr. Lester was removed from the residence and transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in reference to an autopsy.

This case remains under investigation by Detective Samuel Peace. Det. Peace was assisted on scene by KSP personnel, Whitley County EMS, Whitley County Coroner’s Office, Kentucky State Fire Marshals Office, along with the Rockholds, Woodbine, Emlyn, and Corbin Fire Departments.

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