Dry Ridge, KY – 2 Killed in Head-On Crash on Taft Hwy

Dry Ridge, KY (January 14, 2026) – Two people were killed in a tragic head-on crash just outside Dry Ridge on Wednesday, January 14. The accident occurred when an 81-year-old woman crossed the center line on Taft Highway near Stanley Road and collided with a Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the opposite direction.

The crash involved two adults and two teens who were in the Silverado. Tragically, the 81-year-old driver of the RAV4 died at the scene, along with the 35-year-old front-seat passenger in the pickup. 

The two teens were transported to UC Medical Center and are reported to be in stable condition. The driver of the Silverado was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital and is expected to survive.

Kentucky State Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Authorities are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the collision, but further details have not been released at this time. The crash remains under investigation.

Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those involved in this devastating accident, and we extend our deepest sympathies during this difficult time.

Who is Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the immediate family members of a deceased person are typically the ones who can file a wrongful death claim. This claim can be filed when the death was caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another person. Kentucky law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.

The following individuals are generally allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Kentucky:

1. Spouse – A surviving spouse can file a wrongful death claim for the loss of their partner.
2. Children – Biological or legally adopted children of the deceased can file a claim, regardless of age.
3. Parents – If the deceased person did not have a spouse or children, the parents of the deceased can file the claim.

In some cases, other family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim if they can prove that they were financially dependent on the deceased person. This could include siblings or other relatives who were significantly impacted by the death. However, the primary claimants are typically the spouse, children, or parents.

The claim can be filed by the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate if no one in the family is able to handle it. This person is responsible for ensuring that any damages awarded are distributed properly among the surviving family members.

A wrongful death claim in Kentucky can help survivors recover compensation for several types of damages, including funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of financial support, emotional distress, and the loss of companionship. The legal process can be complicated, and it’s important to work with an experienced wrongful death attorney who can guide you through the steps.

If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident in Kentucky, help is available. At Byrnes Law Office, we understand the complexities of wrongful death cases and are here to help. We work with grieving families across Kentucky to legally guide them through the next steps. 

Contact Byrnes Law Office today at (502) 364-2500 to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.

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: 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.