Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating a fatal collision that occurred late Thursday evening in the Knox County portion of Corbin.
According to a KSP release, on Thursday at approximately 9:30 p.m., State Police Post 10 in Harlan received a request for assistance from the Knox County dispatch regarding a collision on SE Business Drive in Corbin. This is near the Knox-Whitley County line in the area of the Southern Kentucky Business Park, which is located just off of the Corbin Bypass.
According to KSP, troopers and a Detective from Post 10 responded to the scene to begin an investigation. Preliminary findings indicate Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Ashurst, 39, attempted a traffic stop on a side-by-side vehicle that was traveling on the roadway. The side-by-side, occupied by two males, ages 21 and 20, and a sheriff’s department vehicle collided while on the roadway.
The driver of the side-by-side, who was identified as Todd St. John, 21, was transported to Baptist Health Corbin, where he was later pronounced deceased. The passenger of the vehicle, who was identified as Jerry Stewart, 20, and Ashurst were not injured.
KSP Detective Jake Middleton is leading the collision reconstruction and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be provided once they are released.
