Michael Orchard Obituary, Death;- The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the individual who lost his life after being deliberately driven into traffic while clinging to a vehicle.
According to the coroner, 34-year-old Michael Orchard succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries shortly after 7 p.m. on January 23. Louisville Metro Police responded to a report of a man being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Fourth Street and Winkler Avenue.
The report indicated that a car was traveling along Fourth Street with Orchard hanging from its exterior. It was stated that the vehicle was intentionally maneuvered into oncoming traffic, resulting in Orchard being hit. His remains were discovered a block north at the intersection of Fourth Street and Montana Avenue, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities reported that the driver fled the location but was apprehended shortly thereafter near Seventh and Algonquin. A subsequent update revealed that police had concluded that this individual was not accountable for Orchard’s death, although they did not provide further details regarding the actual perpetrator.
Individuals with any information are encouraged to contact the anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 502-574-LMPD (5673) or utilize the online LMPD Crime Tip Portal. The investigation is being conducted by LMPD’s Homicide Unit.