UPDATE: Jan. 13 at 1:40 p.m.
The Laurel County Sheriff's Office reports that one person is dead and another has been charged with DUI in connection to an early morning crash on Tuesday that happened on I-75 southbound near mile marker 46.
According to the sheriff's office, an investigation revealed that a tractor-trailer was in the middle lane, traveling southbound, when it was struck from the rear by a Nissan Altima.
As a result, the sheriff's office says the driver of the car, identified by the Laurel County Coroner's Office as 30-year-old William Darnell, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, identified as 54-year-old Steven Patrick Jones of Ohio, was taken to St. Joseph Hospital London for treatment for possible injuries and the execution of a search warrant for blood testing. According to an arrest citation, Patrick admitted to using cocaine withing the 24 hours before the collision.
The sheriff's office says that, as a result of the blood test Patrick was charged with DUI and lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
UPDATE: Jan. 13 at 7:10 a.m.
The Laurel County Sheriff's Office reports that I-75 southbound at mile marker 46 in Laurel County is back open following a deadly crash that happened early Tuesday morning.
According to the sheriff's office, more information will be released as it becomes available.
Original Story:
I-75 southbound near mile marker 46 in Laurel County is shut down Tuesday morning due to a deadly crash, according to the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office says the crash occurred around 3 a.m. and that the road is expected to be closed for several hours while detectives investigate.
According to the sheriff's office, a detour is set up at exit 49 by the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad.
This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates.
