1 dead, 1 arrested after collision on Cumberland Parkway in Russell County

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. – One person is dead following a two-vehicle collision on the Cumberland Parkway in Russell County on Monday.

According to the Kentucky State Police, troopers were requested by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the scene just after 2:30 p.m.

Authorities say a preliminary investigation found 28-year-old Christopher Austin of Russell Springs was traveling west on the Cumberland Parkway when his vehicle left the road on the left shoulder before he steered back onto the roadway.

Troopers say when he entered the road again, he entered the path of another vehicle driven by Maylon Brown Jr. of Russell Springs that was also traveling west. As a result, the vehicles collided, authorities say.

According to the Russell County Coroner’s Office, Brown was 66 years old.

Brown was pronounced dead at the hospital by the Russell County coroner. Austin refused medical treatment on scene, authorities say.

Austin was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, second offense, vehicular homicide when under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and reckless driving.

Austin was lodged at the Russell County Detention Center.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Russell County Fire and EMS, Russell County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Highway Department.

The investigation remains ongoing.