Walton, KY – April 8, 2025 — A tragic collision in Boone County on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of two elderly women and left a third woman with life-threatening injuries after their vehicle was struck by a gravel-loaded dump truck.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, 91-year-old Eva Mulberry, of Williamstown, and 89-year-old Betty Hillard, of Lexington, were passengers in a Chevy Equinox driven by 66-year-old Rhonda Wright, of Corinth. The crash occurred in Walton around 1:30 p.m., when Wright attempted to make a left-hand turn from Beaver Road onto Route 42, pulling into the path of an oncoming dump truck.
The dump truck, driven by 66-year-old Jeffrey Whaley, of Independence, was hauling a load of gravel at the time. Officials say Whaley attempted to brake and avoid the impact, but was unable to stop in time, striking the Equinox. The force of the crash pushed the vehicle off the roadway, causing it to roll over before coming to a rest.
The momentum of the dump truck then carried it further down the road, where it struck four parked vehicles and crashed into the front of Boonedocks Pub and Grub, a local restaurant. Fortunately, no one inside the establishment was injured.
Mulberry and Hillard were both pronounced dead at the scene, officials confirmed. Wright, who was behind the wheel of the Equinox, was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center with critical, life-threatening injuries. Whaley suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the same hospital for treatment.
Authorities say that as of Tuesday evening, no charges have been filed, and both drivers are cooperating fully with the investigation.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including reviewing vehicle data, road conditions, and witness statements. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Lt. Chris Hall at chall@boonecountyky.org.
The community is left reeling from the sudden loss of Mulberry and Hillard, both remembered as beloved mothers, grandmothers, and longtime residents of their respective towns. Family, friends, and neighbors have begun to express their condolences and share memories as they await further details from the investigation.
Funeral arrangements for both women are expected to be announced by their families in the coming days.