Corbin woman dies in single-vehicle crash on Bee Creek Road

Virginia Lewis, of Corbin, died Tuesday when her van overturned on Bee Creek Road.

A Corbin woman was killed while her way to work Tuesday afternoon when the van she was driving ran off the road, struck an embankment and rolled over at least once.

Virginia K. Lewis, 54 had reportedly stopped at Bee Creek Market on Ky. 1193 about two miles north of the intersection with U.S. 25W about 1 p.m. to buy some snacks about before going to work at Corbin Walmart. After leaving the store, she drove less than a mile up the road, when the 1989 Chevrolet van she was driving dropped off the roadway. Police said Lewis overcorrected and the van ended up in the ditch where it rolled before coming to rest in a field on the other side of the embankment. As a result, Lewis was partially ejected.

Oak Grove and Bald Rock firefighters along with Whitley County EMS initially responded. However, Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.

Whitley County Coroner J. Andrew Croley said there was nothing to indicate either alcohol or drugs were a factor in the wreck. Lewis’ family members told Croley that she had no known health problems.

"The wreck is the cause of death so no autopsy will be performed," Croley said. "But a toxicology will be done."

Croley noted that Lewis was not wearing seat belts and the van was an older model and not equipped with air bags

The road was initially closed and later one lane was opened while emergency personnel worked to the clear the scene.

Kentucky State Police were in charge of the scene. Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies and KSP Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement also assisted at the scene.