Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision on West Buckner Hill Road in Green County
GREENSBURG, Ky. (June 1, 2024) – On May 31, 2024 at approximately 7:23 P.M. CST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on West Buckner Hill Road in Green County.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Larry Waters, age 49 of Greensburg, was traveling west on West Buckner Hill Road in a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina when he approached a 2013 Jeep Wrangler traveling eastbound being operated by Justin Smith, age 30 of Greensburg. Mr. Waters’ vehicle traveled left of center of the roadway as he approached Mr. Smith’s vehicle. In an attempt to avoid a collision, Mr. Smith steered onto an earth embankment outside the right shoulder of the roadway however, the vehicles collided in a sideswipe manner. Mr. Smith’s vehicle then overturned, ejecting the four occupants.
A passenger in Mr. Smith’s vehicle, Blake Mitchell, age 28 of Greensburg, was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Jefferson County Coroner. Mr. Smith was also transported to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of severe injuries. Mr. Smith’s other passengers Dustin Ray, age 29 of Greensburg, and Michael Boils, age 29 of Greensburg, refused medical treatment at the scene. Mr. Waters also refused medical treatment at the scene.
Larry Waters was arrested by Trooper Josh Smith and charged with DUI 1st offense, Vehicular Homicide, Assault 1st degree, and Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (2 counts). Mr. Waters was lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center.
KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Green County Sheriff’s Office, Green County Fire and EMS, and Green County Rescue Squad. The collision remains under investigation by Senior Trooper Weston Sullivan and other Post 15 Reconstructionists.
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