LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A teenager has died after being hit by a tire while working in a construction zone on I-75 Wednesday night.
The Fayette County Coroner says 18-year-old Braxton Willoughby died after he was hit by a tire that came off a car that was passing the construction zone near the Clays Ferry Bridge.
Lexington Police Department confirms Willoughby was working in the construction zone at the time of the incident.
Willoughby recently graduated from Montgomery County High School.
Head football coach Michael Caba shared more about who Willoughby was with LEX 18 on Thursday.
"One of the things I noticed really quickly about him is his energy," Caba said. "He's energetic, his smile, he brightened the room up and he brought people close together."
He said Willoughby had plans to go to school and eventually return to a school system to coach football himself.
Caba has been having conversations with players about the tragedy, even hosting them for a short vigil late Wednesday night.
"In football, you always talk about how you never know when your last play is going to be," he said. "So, your effort and attitude better be the best it can be for every opportunity you get."
LPD is investigating. Police tell us the investigation is being conducted as non-criminal.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police say a person has serious injuries after an incident on I-75 southbound Wednesday night.
Around 8:00 p.m., police were called to the 99-mile marker of 75 SB for reports of a person injured on the interstate.
Police say the person was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
All lanes of I-75 SB were closed for several hours. Officials say the lanes are now starting to reopen.
This is an ongoing investigation. We're working to learn more.
This is a developing story. Stay with LEX 18 as we learn more.
