Officials have now released details surrounding the crash that killed one man yesterday morning on US 23 in Prestonsburg.

 

On the morning of Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at approximately 7:00 A.M., Prestonsburg Police and Kentucky State Police began receiving multiple 911 calls of a vehicle all over the roadway and in the wrong lane of traffic. Prestonsburg Police Officers were dispatched to the area to attempt to locate the vehicle, described as a silver Dodge pickup truck. While enroute and immediately after the initial calls, calls of a motor vehicle collision on US 23 south near Kentucky Route 80 began coming in. Upon units’ arrival at the scene, it was determined that one of the vehicles involved was the silver Dodge pickup truck.

 

Preliminary Investigation indicates that Steven Newsome of Virgie, Kentucky was operating a 2007 Dodge Ram when he began experiencing a medical emergency and became semi-conscious. During this medical emergency, Newsome began swerving and crossed into oncoming traffic. Newsome’s truck eventually struck a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado operated by Jerome A. Jenkins of Prestonsburg in a head on manner. Jenkins was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Floyd County Coroner’s Office. Newsome was transported to Highlands Regional ARH where he remains in stable condition pending transfer to another facility. Newsome has been cooperative with our investigation.

 

As is standard operating procedure, this case will be investigated to closure and presented to the Floyd County Grand Jury for final decision on criminal charges, but no foul play is suspected at this time. Prestonsburg Police Department were assisted on scene by the Prestonsburg Fire Department, Allen Volunteer Fire Department, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and the Kentucky State Police. This case remains under investigation by Captain Ross Shurtleff and Patrolman Dennis Hutchinson.