Beech Tree News Network

Aberdeen Hill on KY 79 North was the site of a single-vehicle accident earlier this afternoon that has sent a Morgantown man to the hospital via Air Evac.  

According to Butler County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Reneer, Thomas V. (Tommy) Smith (204 Thomas Street in Morgantown; DOB 9/12/77) was traveling north on KY 79 in a 1997 green Ford Ranger pick-up when he apparently dipped slightly off the shoulder of the road below the former Embry's Grocery and Bait Shop, overcorrected, lost control, and flipped multiple times.  He was ejected from the vehicle.  

One eyewitness - Kenny Raymer - was southbound on the same road and saw the truck leave the road and flip, its nose strike the highway, and Smith thrown from the truck.  The vehicle came to final rest off the southbound shoulder.

The roadway was littered with debris and there was a distinctive odor of gasoline near the wrecked vehicle.  Tracks along the shoulder of the road indicated the pathway the vehicle followed prior to going airborne. Traffic was redirected for approximately one hour as the road was temporarily closed.   

Another eyewitness - Laura West - also saw the truck as it flipped.  Her home is right beside where the accident took place.

Ashley Willoughby, a registered nurse, was also traveling on KY 79 shortly after the accident.  She called 911 and stayed with Smith until paramedics arrived.  

Butler County EMS, Butler County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Reneer, KSP Trooper Chad Smith, Butler County Rescue Squad members, and firemen with the Morgantown and Fifth District departments were all on the scene.

Trooper Smith is in charge of the investigation, which is ongoing.  

Smith was transported Butler County EMS to Morgantown for Air Evac.  Morgantown Police Sergeant Andy Gidcumb helped to secure the scene for air transport.

Stay connected to Beech Tree News for any updates on this accident.