Adair Co. second-grader identified as victim killed in weekend crash

ADAIR COUNTY, Ky. – Further information is now available on a fatal crash that killed an Adair County child.

WNKY News 40 media partner K105 says the juvenile victim was identified as second-grader Rose Morgan, according to Adair County Schools. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Adair County Coroner’s Office.

More here.

K105 reports the child was one of the passengers in a 2018 Kia Sorrento that was rear ended by a 2016 Ford F-150 driven by 46-year-old Joel R. Hammack of Crossville, Tennessee.

The incident occurred Saturday, Dec. 21 at the KY 55 Bypass near the intersection at Pelham Branch Road, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Troopers say the crash caused Ritzie’s vehicle to exit the roadway and overturn.

Two passengers in the Kia, 66-year-old Susan Morgan of Columbia and another juvenile, were taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Ritzie and a third juvenile were transported to a hospital for minor injuries.

Hammack and 45-year-old Walter Nichols of Bean Station, Tennessee, 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 fourth offense or greater, first-degree assault and second-degree assault (three counts).

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

Nichols is charged with assault third-degree (EMS, fire, rescue squad), assault fourth-degree (minor injury), third-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication in a public place.

K105 reports that Hammack was previously arrested in Elizabethtown months prior in relation to an assault involving a police officer, along with alleged strangulation of a male subject.

Both Hammack and Nichols remain at the Adair County Detention Center.