MUHLENBERG COUNTY, Ky. — Three people died Sunday following a head-on collision involving a passenger vehicle and a pickup truck on U.S. Highway 431, according to the Kentucky State Police.
The victims were identified as Whitney Duarte, 35, of Central City; Kevin Latham, 56, of Bremen; and Joey Watkins, 67, of Central City.
The crash occurred on June 28, 2026, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 431 and Power Plant Road. Preliminary findings from Kentucky State Police Post 2 indicate that the collision involved a southbound Nissan sedan and a northbound Ford pickup truck.
According to investigators, Duarte was driving the Nissan southbound when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle crossed the center line into the northbound lane and collided head-on with the Ford pickup.
The pickup truck was operated by Latham, with Watkins traveling as a passenger.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found all three individuals with fatal injuries. The Muhlenberg County Coroner pronounced Duarte, Latham, and Watkins deceased at the scene.
Authorities have not indicated whether any additional vehicles were involved or whether other factors contributed to the collision. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The investigation is being led by Kentucky State Police Trooper Travis Vandrew, who continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.