POWELL COUNTY, Ky. — Authorities say a Hazel Green man was killed Saturday morning in a single-vehicle accident along the Mountain Parkway in Powell County.
According to a press release from the Kentucky State Police, Post 8, dispatchers in Powell County received a call for assistance around 8 a.m. on September 13 regarding a serious crash near the 33-mile marker of the parkway.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that James Gabbard, 49, of Hazel Green, had been traveling eastbound when his vehicle left the roadway and collided with an embankment. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, resulting in fatal injuries.
Powell County Coroner Megan Wells-Curtis responded to the scene and pronounced Gabbard deceased. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no additional injuries were reported.
Authorities remained on-site for several hours as troopers worked to reconstruct the scene and clear the roadway. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and investigators say the case remains open as they continue to review evidence.
The Kentucky State Police were assisted at the scene by Powell County EMS, local fire crews, and the coroner’s office.
Gabbard’s passing has left the Hazel Green community mourning the sudden and tragic loss of a neighbor and friend. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
The Kentucky State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist in the investigation to contact Post 8 in Morehead.