Rose Morgan Obituary, Death – A second-grade student, Rose Morgan, tragically died in a motor vehicle crash in southern Kentucky on Saturday, as confirmed by Adair County Schools in a statement released on Sunday. Two other children and a 66-year-old woman were also injured in the two-vehicle collision.
According to Kentucky State Police (KSP), the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on the KY 55 Bypass in Adair County. Police reported that a 2016 Ford F150, driven by 46-year-old Joel Hammack from Crossville, Tennessee, was traveling south at a “high rate of speed” when it collided with the rear end of a 2018 Kia Sorento. The Kia was also traveling south, and the impact of the crash caused significant damage.
The passengers in the Kia Sorento included 66-year-old Susan Morgan and two children, one of whom was Rose Morgan. Tragically, Rose was pronounced dead at the scene. Another child was hospitalized with serious injuries, while Susan Morgan sustained serious injuries and was also taken to the hospital. Townya Ritzie, 62, was driving the Kia Sorento at the time of the crash and sustained only minor injuries. She was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
The driver of the Ford F150, Hammack, and his passenger, Walter Nichols, 45, from Bean Station, Tennessee, were both involved in the aftermath of the crash. The KSP stated that both Hammack and Nichols were released from medical care after being treated for their injuries. Hammack was arrested and faces serious charges, including vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, as well as first-degree assault and second-degree assault. He was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.
Nichols, the passenger, allegedly became unruly as first responders attempted to provide aid to the victims of the crash. As a result, he was charged with multiple offenses, including third- and fourth-degree assault, third-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree disorderly conduct, and alcohol intoxication in a public place. Nichols was also arrested and placed in the Adair County Detention Center.
This devastating crash has left the community in shock, especially with the loss of young Rose Morgan. The incident is still under investigation as authorities work to determine all the details surrounding the crash and the events leading up to it.