Joel Hammack,Walter Nichols Arrested; – A tragic incident has resulted in the death of a child, with two individuals now in custody following a collision in Adair County. The accident occurred on the KY 55 Bypass near Pelham Branch Road at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, as reported by the Kentucky State Police.
According to initial findings, 46-year-old Joel Hammack from Crossville, Tennessee, was traveling south on KY 55 at an excessive speed. Authorities indicated that he collided with a slower-moving Kia Sorento operated by 62-year-old Townya Ritzie of Columbia, Kentucky. The impact caused Ritzie’s vehicle to veer off the road and overturn.
A child who was a passenger in Ritzie’s vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene by the Adair County Coroner. The young girl has been identified as Rose Morgan, a second-grade student at Adair County Primary Center.
Additionally, two other passengers—a juvenile and a 66-year-old woman—sustained serious injuries, while Ritzie and another juvenile passenger suffered minor injuries. All were transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
Hammack, along with a passenger identified as 45-year-old Walter Nichols from Bean Station, Tennessee, received treatment and were subsequently released. Hammack has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, as well as multiple counts of assault.
Nichols faces several charges after reportedly becoming disruptive while first responders were assisting the injured at the scene. His charges include assault, making terrorist threats, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Both individuals are currently being held at the Adair County Detention Center. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
