James Gabbard Obituary, Death – A deadly single-vehicle crash in Powell County claimed the life of a Hazel Green man early Saturday morning, according to Kentucky State Police. Authorities confirmed the victim as 49-year-old James Gabbard, whose vehicle overturned after leaving the roadway.
In a press release issued on September 13, state police said troopers from Post 8 responded to the scene after receiving a request for assistance from Powell County dispatchers. The crash occurred around 8 a.m. along the Mountain Parkway near the 33-mile marker, a stretch of road that has seen serious accidents in the past.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate that Gabbard had been traveling east when, for reasons still under review, his vehicle veered off the road. The car struck an embankment with enough force to cause it to flip. The violent rollover left Gabbard with fatal injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by Powell County Coroner Megan Wells-Curtis.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and authorities have not reported whether weather, speed, or driver distraction may have contributed to the incident. State police noted that the official cause will be determined as part of the ongoing investigation, which could take weeks to finalize as troopers review evidence and reconstruct the crash.
For local residents, news of the accident was a sobering reminder of the risks posed by single-vehicle crashes, which account for a large share of roadway fatalities across Kentucky. Motorists traveling rural and parkway routes often encounter winding curves, changing elevations, and limited shoulders, all of which can increase the likelihood of losing control.
James Gabbard’s sudden death has left family, friends, and community members mourning. At just 49 years old, he was considered relatively young, and his passing highlights how quickly tragedy can strike on familiar roads. Authorities have not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements, but the announcement of his death has already prompted an outpouring of condolences from Hazel Green residents and others who knew him.
The Kentucky State Police investigation will continue in the coming days as officers work to determine what factors may have caused Gabbard’s vehicle to leave the roadway. Crash reconstruction experts often examine skid marks, roadway conditions, and vehicle damage to piece together what happened in the final moments before impact.
While officials work to close the case, they are also urging drivers across the region to remain cautious and alert, especially on high-speed routes like the Mountain Parkway. Troopers remind motorists that even brief lapses in concentration or minor misjudgments can have devastating outcomes.
As Powell County comes to terms with this latest fatal accident, state police continue their efforts to improve roadway safety while investigating the specific circumstances surrounding Gabbard’s death. For now, his passing stands as another painful chapter in Kentucky’s ongoing battle against traffic fatalities.
