Kentucky State Police Investigate Letcher County Fatal Collision

LINEFORK, Ky. (July 31, 2026) – Kentucky State Police, Post 13 in Hazard is investigating a motorcycle collision that has claimed the life of a Letcher County man.

Troopers and emergency medical personnel responded to the crash at approximately 5:37 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, on KY-1103 in the Linefork community of Letcher County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a motorcycle operated by Charles Bentley, 67, of Linefork, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. Bentley and his female passenger were treated at the scene before being airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, Kentucky State Police, Post 13 was notified by the Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office that Bentley had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

An autopsy has been scheduled, and toxicology results are pending. Both occupants were wearing helmets at the time of the collision. The investigation remains ongoing. Collision reconstruction is being conducted by Trooper Jarron Moore.

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