KSP Post 9 investigates two Fatal Accidents in eastern Kentucky

PIKEVILLE – Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville was notified of an off-road ATV collision at approximately 5:42 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 27. The accident occurred on an ATV trail off Booker Fork in the Pikeville community of Pike County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that 74-year-old Billy Ray Tackett of Pikeville (Caney) was operating an ATV on an off-road trail when the ATV exited the side of the trail and overturned.

Mr. Tackett was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office.

The accident remains under investigation by Trooper Cameron Whitaker. Trooper Whitaker was assisted at the scene by personnel from KSP Post 9 and local first responder agencies.

Services for Tackett was Sunday, Aug. 30, at Hall and Jones Funeral Home, Virgie. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Tackett; a son, Brad Tackett of Pikeville; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Burial was in Booker Fork Cemetery.

Another accident happened around 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29. According Kentucky State Police Post 9, Christopher Daniel Smith, 48, of Martin, was driving south on Kentucky Route 680 in the Eastern community, when his vehicle left the roadway and overturned.

Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Floyd County Coroner’s office. Accident under investigation by KSP Trooper Michael McKinney.

Smith is survived by his mother Mary Smith and three children, Danny, Gabriella and Kristin. Memorial services will be announced at a later date, services under direction of Nelson Frazier Funeral Home, Martin.