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Home > Post > Post 16 > Post 16 News Release > 2009 News Releases > News Release

Fatal Collision on KY 359 in Henderson County

Date of News Release: 09/04/2009

(Henderson, Ky.) -- Mitchell Pippin was traveling southbound on KY 359, approximately 3.5 miles south of Smith Mills, KY. James Yates was also on KY 359 traveling northbound. For an unknown reason, Mr. Pippin's vehicle crossed the centerline striking Mr. Yates' vehicle head-on. After impact, Mr. Pippin's 2002 Ford F-250 crossed back over into the southbound lane facing north-west at final rest. Mr. Yate's 1994 Peterbilt tractor-trailer ran off the northbound shoulder facing east at final rest. During the collision, approximately 50-150 gallons of diesel fuel and various other vehicle fluids leaked from both units. Mr. Pippin was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Shelia Patterson. Mr. Yates was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Henderson with complaints of chest pains. KY 359 was shut down for over 4.5 hours due to the reconstruction and extensive clean-up.

At this point in the investigation, its unknown if speed, alcohol or drugs played a factor in the collision.

The investigation is on-going.

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