A Corbin man died over the weekend from injuries he suffered in a head-on crash on US 25 in southern Laurel County, and police investigating the accident suspect drug use may have been a contributing factor.
Travis D. Mahan, 31, was driving south on US 25 in his Chrysler 300 car when police say he crossed the centerline of the roadway and struck a 2002 International tractor-trailer, driven by Jimmy R. Gray, 55, of Barbourville. Mahan’s vehicle smashed into the front, right side of the truck and was then pushed back against a rock wall next to a ditch off the southbound lane.
Mahan had to be extricated from the vehicle by volunteer firefighters. He was airlifted from the scene to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington where he died from his injuries.
Gray was taken to Baptist Regional Medical Center for treatment. He was later released.
While police don’t think alcohol use was a factor, they do suspect drug use may have contributed to the crash. A blood test is currently pending to determine if Mahan was under the influence of any drugs at the time of the accident.
Mahan was not wearing his seat belt.
The accident happened about 1:00 p.m. Saturday and was reported to the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London.
KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Trooper Craig Reed is in charge of the investigation and was assisted by officers from Kentucky State Police, KSP Vehicle Enforcement Division, Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, the West Knox Fire Department and the Lily Fire Department.
