Semi/ SUV Collision Causes Double Fatality

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

A wreck Friday afternoon, Aug. 22, on US 23 claimed the life of a Floyd County couple when the 2025 Trailblazer they were driving went underneath a semi tractor-trailer as it was backing across both lanes and medians on the northbound side of US 23.

Brenda Gail Martin, 66, of Martin, was pronounced dead at the scene and her husband Billy Keith Martin, 76, also of Martin, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead soon after.

Brenda was born June 17, 1959 in Pike County, to the late Woodrow and Oma Johnson Mullins.

Billy was born June 23, 1949 in Martin, to the late Crit and Syltania McKinney Martin. He was US Army Veteran and member of Minnie DAV Chapter. She was employed by UK King’s Daughters.

Both are survived by their sons, Christopher (Melissa) Martin of Paintsville, and Justin (Wendy) Martin of Prestonsburg; grandchildren, Ian Martin, Jacob Martin, Isabella Martin and Emma Kathryn Martin;  

Funeral Services for both will be held 1 p.m., (today) Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, with Jim McKenzie, Joshua Mullins and Robert Stephens officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Gardens, Prestonsburg.