Kentucky State Police Post 8 Investigate Fatal Traffic Collision in Mason County

MAYSVILLE, Ky. (November 16, 2024) – On Saturday, November 16, 2024 Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 8 Morehead received a call for assistance from Mason County Dispatch around 8:25 P.M. in reference to a multiple vehicle fatal collision.

Troopers responded to the Highway 9 (AA Highway) near the intersection of Slack Pike Road. Preliminary investigation indicates that a Silver Nissan Xterra operated by William Lee Johnny Darnell, 38 years of age, of McKinney, Texas was traveling West bound when he struck the rear of a Hyundai Sonata operated by Joshua Mark Wells, 39 years of age, of Germantown, Kentucky. This collision caused Mr. Wells to enter the East bound lane into the path of a Chevrolet Malibu operated by Marlena Arthur, 31 years of age, of Germantown, Kentucky.

As a result of this collision Mr. Wells along with his passenger Latasha Kay Wells, 44 years of age, of Germantown, Kentucky were pronounced deceased at the scene by Mason County Coroner David Lawrence.

Mrs. Arthur was airlifted from the scene to the University of Cincinnati Hospital where she remains in the hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Troopers arrested William Lee Johnny Darnell, charging him with the following: Vehicular Homicide when under the influence of alcohol, operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, assault 1st degree, wanton endangerment 1st degree, possession of marijuana and other traffic offenses.  Mr. Darnell was lodged in the Mason County Detention Center.

This is an ongoing investigation being conducted by Kentucky State Police Post 8.  KSP was assisted on scene by Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Mason County Fire and EMS and Mason County Coroner. If anyone has any information regarding this incident call KSP 606-784-4127.

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