One Killed, One Critical in Crash on US-23 in Lowmansville, KY

Lowmansville, KY (June 19, 2026) – One person died and another was left in critical condition following a two-vehicle wreck Thursday morning, June 18, in Lawrence County. The collision happened just after 7:30 a.m. on U.S. 23 in Lowmansville, according to Kentucky State Police.

Investigators said an SUV was traveling southbound when it crossed the median into oncoming traffic, striking a tractor-trailer. A passenger in the SUV, identified as 20-year-old Kaitlyn Delong of Lovely, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center in critical condition. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt.

The investigation into this wreck remains active. 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kaitlyn's family and loved ones, and we hope the surviving driver makes a full recovery.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Passenger Dies in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a wrongful death claim is typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate, who acts on behalf of surviving family members such as parents, a spouse, or children. 

When a passenger is killed in a crash, their family may be left to navigate a deeply painful and confusing time, on top of unexpected financial pressure from funeral costs, lost future income, and other expenses. Surviving family members often experience the emotional toll of losing a loved one suddenly, along with the loss of that person's companionship, guidance, and support going forward.

Kentucky law sets a one-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim, meaning families generally have one year from the date of death to take legal action, though certain circumstances may affect this timeline. Because this window is shorter than in many other states, to preserve evidence early matters. This can include the official crash report, photos from the scene, data from the vehicles involved, and witness statements that may become harder to gather as time passes.

A wrongful death lawyer can help a family understand their rights, gather and protect this evidence, and identify all parties who may share responsibility for the crash. Legal guidance can also help clarify what types of compensation may be available to the family during this process.

If your family has been affected by a fatal crash, we are available to guide you through the legal process. At Byrnes Law Office, we have helped many families across Kentucky to walk through the legal journey of a wrongful death claim by also fully understanding their rights.  

We're here to listen and help answer your questions during this difficult time. You can reach out to Byrnes Law Office at (502) 364-2500 to learn more about your 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.