BREAKING: Woman Charged with Vehicular Homicide After Fatal Laurel County Crash
Laurel County, KY — A woman has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide following a deadly crash early Friday morning, according to Laurel County Sheriff John Root. The crash, which occurred on August 1st, 2025, has left the local community in mourning and raised serious concerns about the ongoing problem of impaired driving.
Details of the Fatal Crash:
The crash took place around midnight on American Greeting Card Road, approximately 11 miles south of London, Kentucky. Investigators with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office have revealed that 55-year-old Kimberly Hedrick of [insert city] was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe southbound on the road when she lost control of her vehicle while negotiating a curve. Hedrick crossed the centerline, resulting in a head-on collision with a northbound Chevrolet Aveo.
The driver of the Aveo, 55-year-old Benita Vickers from Corbin, was critically injured in the crash. Vickers was immediately transported to Baptist Health Corbin but, tragically, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Aveo also had a male passenger who was injured and transported to the hospital for treatment. His condition remains undisclosed as of now, but authorities have confirmed that he is receiving medical care.
After the initial collision, Hedrick’s Chevrolet Tahoe struck a Hyundai SUV driven by 39-year-old David Wynn, also from Corbin. The Hyundai had two female passengers who were also injured in the crash. They were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. However, in a startling turn of events, Wynn fled the scene before deputies arrived, sparking a search for his whereabouts.
Suspected Impairment and Arrest:
Hedrick, the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe, suffered only minor injuries in the crash and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in London for treatment. During the investigation, law enforcement officers noted that Hedrick appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. She reportedly had slurred speech and smelled strongly of alcohol, leading detectives to suspect that impaired driving may have contributed to the crash.
Subsequently, Kimberly Hedrick was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol. She is currently being held at the Laurel County Correctional Center, awaiting further legal proceedings. Her arrest has sparked a significant public response, as this incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of driving while intoxicated, particularly when it leads to the tragic loss of life.
The Search for David Wynn:
In addition to the charges against Hedrick, law enforcement is actively searching for David Wynn, the driver of the Hyundai SUV who fled the scene. Authorities later discovered that Wynn had an active arrest warrant, further complicating the case. Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward and contact the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff John Root expressed his frustration with Wynn’s actions, saying, “It’s deeply troubling that after causing an accident that injured multiple people, including two women in his own vehicle, Wynn chose to flee the scene. We are doing everything in our power to locate him and bring him to justice.”
Authorities are actively working to track down Wynn, and they’ve requested the public’s help in locating him. Anyone with information about his location is urged to contact the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office at 606-864-6600 or send a message to the department’s official Facebook page.
Community Outrage and Support for Victims:
The crash has sparked widespread outrage within the Laurel County community, particularly due to the fatal consequences of impaired driving and the hit-and-run behavior exhibited by Wynn. Local residents have expressed their shock and sorrow, with many taking to social media to extend their condolences to the family of the victim, Benita Vickers, and call for justice.
Benita’s family and friends have described her as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. A statement from the family said, “Benita was always there for us, and now she’s gone in the blink of an eye due to someone’s careless actions. We are devastated by this loss and hope that those responsible are held accountable.”
In addition to the emotional toll on the Vickers family, the two female passengers in the Hyundai SUV are also in the thoughts of the community. Friends and family of the women who were injured have rallied in support, hoping for their swift recovery.
The Dangers of Impaired Driving:
This tragic accident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have on all involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related crashes are a leading cause of traffic fatalities across the United States. In 2023 alone, over 11,000 deaths were attributed to impaired driving, with the majority of those crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
Sheriff John Root used the incident to reiterate the importance of responsible driving and the severe consequences of getting behind the wheel while under the influence. “We cannot stress enough how important it is to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s not only your life at risk but the lives of everyone else on the road,” Root said.
As investigations continue into the events of that fateful night, authorities are focusing on the details of the crash and working to ensure that both Hedrick and Wynn face justice for their roles in this tragic event.
Conclusion:
The fatal crash on American Greeting Card Road has left a lasting impact on the community of Laurel County, Kentucky. The loss of 55-year-old Benita Vickers is a devastating blow to her family and friends, and the injuries sustained by others involved in the crash only add to the heartbreak. The charges against Kimberly Hedrick, as well as the ongoing search for David Wynn, have highlighted the extreme risks associated with impaired driving, as well as the grave consequences for both victims and perpetrators.
As the community awaits further developments, authorities urge anyone with information about David Wynn’s location to come forward, while emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant on the road and always driving responsibly.
Contact Information for Tips:
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of David Wynn is asked to contact the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office at 606-864-6600 or send a message via the department’s official Facebook page.
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