Jellico man dies while crossing I-75

A Thanksgiving night crash on I-75 near Williamsburg claimed the life of a Jellico man.

Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley pronounced Tommy Heatwole, 64, dead at the scene from injuries he suffered in the accident that happened about 8 p.m. near Exit 15.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Craig Reed determined that Heatwole had exited a vehicle due to an argument at the Exit 15 northbound off ramp, according to a KSP press release.

“Heatwole attempted to cross the northbound lanes of I-75 when he was struck by a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Timothy Black, 40, of Corbin,” said KSP Trooper Don Trosper, public affairs officer at the London post.

Neither Black nor his passenger was injured during the accident.

Croley said Heatwole died instantly in the crash.
Trosper said Heatwole was riding with a family member, but that he didn’t know what the argument was over.

Police anticipate filing no charges in connection with the investigation, Trosper said.
The Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort autopsied the body, and toxicology tests were done in according with state regulations.

Trosper said authorities suspect that Heatwole may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of his death.

Croley said he couldn’t comment on drug or alcohol involvement until toxicology test results are complete.
Reed is the lead investigating officer into the incident. Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Brett Reeves, other KSP officers, the Whitley County Coroner’s Office and Whitley County EMS assisted at the scene.
Preliminary statistics indicate that nine people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period from Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30. Last year, there were ten fatalities during the same time period, according to a Kentucky State Police press release.

Seven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Two of the crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Two of the holiday fatalities involved pedestrians.
Through November 30, preliminary statistics indicate that 738 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 63 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007.

Of the 563 motor vehicle fatalities, 356 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 87 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets.

Fifty-four pedestrians have been killed. A total of 155 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.