1 juvenile dead, 4 sustain injuries in Adair County crash

COLUMBIA, Ky. – Kentucky State Police is investigating a fatal crash in Adair County.

KSP Post 15 says troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on Saturday afternoon at the KY 55 Bypass near the intersection at Pelham Branch Road.

Investigators say Joel Hammack, 46 of Crossville, TN, travelled south at a high rate of speed on KY 55 Bypass in a truck. KSP says Hammack crashed into the rear end of an SUV operated by Townya Ritzie, 62 of Columbia. Troopers say the crash caused Ritzie’s vehicle to exit the roadway and overturn.

A juvenile passenger in Ritzie’s vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene by the Adair County Coroner’s Office. Two passengers in the SUV, Susan Morgan, 66 of Columbia, and another juvenile were taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Ritzie and another juvenile were transported to a hospital for minor injuries.

Hammack and Walter Nichols, 45 of Bean Station, TN, a passenger in his vehicle were treated and released.

Hammack was taken into custody and is charged with vehicular homicide under the influence of alcohol, DUI 4th offense or greater, assault 1st degree and assault 2nd degree (3 counts).

Hammack was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.

KSP says Nichols was unruly at the scene while first responders attempted to aid the crash victims.

Nichols is charged with assault 3rd degree (EMS, fire, rescue squad), assault 4th degree (minor injury), terroristic threatening 3rd degree, disorderly conduct 2nd degree and alcohol intoxication in a public place.

Nichols was lodged at the Adair County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing.