LYON COUNTY, Ky (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Kentucky State Police announced early Saturday morning that a 19-year-old has died in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 24 near Eddyville, Ky. Jace Smothers, of Norton, KS, was leading a Christ in Youth trip when their van was hit by a semi-truck.
Preliminary investigation shows 12 vehicles were involved in the collision. Vehicles were travelling eastbound on I-24. Officials report traffic had slowed due to construction ahead.
Witnesses reported, and officials later confirm, that inattention on behalf of the semi truck driver appears to be the contributing factor to the collision.
The semi-truck collided with the church van causing the chain of events that left multiple injuries. Eye witness accounts saw the 18-wheeler, van, at least one car, and two motorcycles involved. Approximately 22 people appear to be involved.
Smothers was pronounced deceased on the scene by Lyon County Coroner.
Ozark Christian College, where Smothers had just finished his freshman year, released a statement Friday evening.
“Many of you had the privilege of knowing Jace—as a student, classmate, Strong Hall brother, or friend—and you will remember his big smile, loud laugh, and huge heart for Jesus and teenagers,” said Matt Proctor, president of the college. “He was a youth ministry major and a local Young Life volunteer….We are grateful to have known Jace, but we grieve deeply his absence.”
Two other people are listed in critical condition. Four people were air lifted to Skyline Hospital in Nashville, Tn. One person was air lifted to Deaconess Midtown in Evansville, In. Eight were transported via EMS to local hospitals. Remaining individuals were released.