Meade Co., KY - One Killed, Two Hurt in Crash on Payneville Rd

Meade Co., KY (June 2, 2025) - A deadly crash in Meade County late Saturday night claimed the life of a 20-year-old Battletown man, according to Kentucky State Police.

Troopers responded to the scene on May 31, around 11:15 p.m., near the 4100 block of Payneville Road. Investigators say Robert Eldridge was heading west on KY-144 when he attempted to pass another vehicle. During the maneuver, his car collided head-on with an oncoming pickup truck in the eastbound lane.

Eldridge was pronounced dead at the scene by the Meade County Coroner's Office.

A passenger in his vehicle and the 44-year-old Louisville man driving the pickup were both airlifted to UofL Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Their current conditions have not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

We want to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim.

Kentucky Car Crashes

Each year, more than 125,000 traffic accidents occur on Kentucky roads, many resulting in life-altering injuries or heartbreaking loss. Meade County, like many communities throughout the Commonwealth, has witnessed the devastating toll that motor vehicle crashes can take on local families. Tragically, the vast majority of these collisions are preventable and often stem from dangerous driving behaviors.

Across the nation, distracted and impaired driving continue to be among the top causes of fatal wrecks. In just one recent year, over 30% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. were linked to alcohol-impaired drivers. In fact, studies show that over 93% of crashes are the result of human error or negligence. In Kentucky specifically, driver inattention has become the leading factor behind the state’s high accident rate.

For those involved in serious accidents, the road to recovery can be long and painful—physically, emotionally, and financially. And when a crash claims the life of a loved one, the grief and hardship can be overwhelming. Families in Meade County and across Kentucky are too often left grappling with an unbearable loss, compounded by funeral expenses, medical costs, and the sudden loss of financial support.

If your family has experienced the unimaginable pain of losing someone in a fatal collision in or near Meade County, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Legal help is available when you work with a skilled and caring wrongful death attorney. 

At Byrnes Law Office, we stand with grieving families and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you with compassion and determination through every step of the legal process.

You may be eligible to seek compensation for funeral costs, outstanding medical bills, lost wages, and more. While no legal action can undo the loss, pursuing justice can bring some measure of relief and help secure your family’s future.

Call Byrnes Law Office today at 502-364-2500 to speak with a dedicated wrongful death lawyer serving Meade County. We’re here to advocate for your family with care, strength, and commitment.

Note: Our writers use external sources such as news briefs, police scanners, and eyewitness reports when creating this post. While we aim for accuracy, the information hasn't been independently verified by our team. If you spot any errors, please inform us promptly for correction. If you'd like the post removed, please contact us, and we'll act swiftly. Your feedback helps us uphold our standards.

Disclaimer: The Byrnes Law Office is dedicated to improving safety for Kentucky drivers. Our goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of driving and the need to use caution. This is not a solicitation for business, and none of the information constitutes legal or medical advice. Photos in this post are not of the actual accident scene.