Tragedy struck Whitley County on Independence Day as authorities were called to investigate a death at Cumberland Falls State Park and in a separate incident the drowning of a toddler in central Whitley County Friday evening.
Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley pronounced Donnesha Scott, 36, of Henderson, dead about 7 p.m. Friday. The body was sent to the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
Croley said that pending autopsy results, no foul play is suspected.
Scott was down at Cumberland Falls with friends Friday.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) were notified at 3:44 p.m. that a woman was suffering from a medical emergency on the Moonbow Trail, according to a KSP release.
“She was hiking below the Falls and had a medical emergency. The volunteer fire department was called along with EMS and park rangers. She was carried out approximately two miles,” Croley said.
KSP Trooper Kyle Trosper is continuing the ongoing investigation. KSP Post 11 personnel, Woodbine Fire and Rescue, Whitley County Emergency Management Director Jerry Rains, Whitley County EMS, Kentucky State Police, park rangers, the Whitley County Coroner’s Office and various McCreary County units all responded and assisted.
A short time later, Croley responded to another death investigation involving a 16-month-old male that had apparently drown in the family pool behind his home.
The incident happened off Jr. Rowland Road, which is in the Hole in the Wall area off Exit 15.
KSP was notified about the incident at 7:18 p.m.
The Williamsburg Police Department initially responded and administered CPR until Whitley County EMS arrived, Croley said.
Whitley County EMS then transported the child to Baptist Health Corbin where Croley pronounced the child dead at 8:45 p.m.
The pool was about four feet high with a ladder going into it.
Authorities aren’t sure what happened yet.
“At this point, it is just an ongoing investigation,” Croley said. “There was no obvious signs of any trauma besides apparently drowning.”
The body was sent to the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
Kentucky State Police Detective Logan Gay is continuing the ongoing investigation.
The child has since been identified as Lucas “Lukey” Johnathon Mattie.
“He brought a year of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories to those around him. His infectious energy and vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on the hearts of his family and friends. Though his time on this Earth was brief, the impact he had on those around him was nothing short of significant. His dazzling smiles and the sound of his delightful laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience them,” his obituary read.
Funeral visitation for Mattie will be from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday (July 9) at Croley Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mattie’s death wasn’t the only local drowning on July 4.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling are investigating an apparent drowning that occurred about eight miles north of London.
A male subject was operating a side-by-side when it overturned in some water about 1:40 p.m. A female passenger, Penny Marie Nelk, 63, of Danville, Illinois, was unable to exit the vehicle. Bowling pronounced her deceased at the scene, according to a Laurel County Sheriff’s Office release.
