Unrestrained infant dies after vehicle carrying active meth lab crashes

UPDATE: Ruth Clemons, the mother of the infant killed in this wreck, died early Sunday morning.

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An infant was killed in an Edmonson County car crash that occurred after a Barren County Sheriff’s Department deputy attempted to stop the car carrying the infant. 

Deputy James Roberts saw a blue 1998 Toyota Camry driving recklessly near the intersection of Park City-Bon Ayr Road, according to a release from Kentucky State Police. When Roberts activated his emergency equipment, the vehicle accelerated onto Apple Grove Road, causing Roberts to lose sight of it.  A short time later, Roberts crossed into Edmonson County and found the vehicle wrecked.

Two passengers, Ruth Clemmons, 43, of Etoile, and her four-month-old son Lucas Settles were inside the vehicle. They were not restrained. 

The driver, James E. Settles, was thrown from the vehicle, was taken by a medical helicopter from the scene and flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville where he is listed in critical condition.  Ruth Clemons was taken by ambulance to the University of Louisville Hospital where she is listed in critical condition.  The Edmonson County Coroner’s Office pronounced Lucas Settles dead at the scene. 

Police found an active methamphetamine lab inside the wrecked car, according to the release.

The incident remains under investigation.