KSP Post 8 investigating fatal Mason County crash

MAYSVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky State Police Post 8 is investigating a multi-vehicle crash that has left two dead.

KSP says it responded to a call from Mason County Dispatch on Saturday at 8:25 pm to assist with a fatal collision investigation.

Troopers responded to Highway 9 near the intersection of Slack Pike Road.

KSP’s initial investigation indicates a vehicle driven by William Lee Johnny Darnell, 38 of McKinney, Texas, was traveling westbound. Police believe Darnell crashed into the rear of a vehicle operated by Joshua Mark Wells, 39 of Germantown. After the impact, Wells’ vehicle then traveled into the eastbound lane in the path of a vehicle operated by Marlena Arthur, 31 of Germantown.

The Mason County Coroner’s Office pronounced Wells and a passenger, Latasha Kay Wells, 44 of Germantown, deceased at the scene.

Arthur was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Hospital. Arthur is in stable condition.

Troopers arrested Darnell. He is charged with vehicular homicide when under the influence of alcohol, operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, assault 1st degree, wanton endangerment 1st degree, possession of marijuana and other traffic offenses.

Darnell was lodged at the Mason County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing.