Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision on the Cumberland Parkway in Russell County

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky.  (June 2, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers were requested by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office to respond to a two-vehicle injury collision, just after 2:30 P.M. CDT yesterday afternoon, on the Cumberland Parkway in Russell County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Christopher Austin, 28, of Russell Springs, was traveling west on the Cumberland Parkway in a 2016 Kia Optima.  Mr. Austin left the roadway on the left shoulder and steered his vehicle back onto the roadway.  Upon traveling back on the roadway, Mr. Austin entered the path and collided with a 2020 Jeep Cherokee, operated by Maylon Brown, 60, of Russell Springs, also traveling west on the Cumberland Parkway. 

Maylon Brown was pronounced deceased at the hospital by the Russell County Coroner.  Christopher Austin refused medical treatment at the scene. 

Christopher Austin was arrested and charged with DUI 2nd offense, Vehicular Homicide When Under the Influence of Drugs, Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Reckless Driving.  Mr. Austin was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Russell County Fire and EMS, Russell County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Highway Department.  Senior Trooper Brandon Roark is investigating the collision.

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