Pedestrian struck by SUV, flown to UK

A Laurel County man was airlifted to the University of Kentucky after he was hit by an SUV on U.S. 25 near Hunter Hills Elementary School Wednesday night.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert, Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, identified the man as 55-year-old Clerndon Smith of London.

Acciardo said Smith was attempting to cross U.S. 25 from American Greeting Card Road about 9:15 p.m.

At the same time, 59-year-old Emmitt Gibson of Lily was attempting to turn left from American Greeting Card Road onto U.S. 25.

Acciardo said Smith appears to have run into the path of black colored Blazer, throwing him up onto the hood of the vehicle.

Lily firefighters responded and established a landing zone at Hunter Hills Elementary School.

Smith was transported by ambulance to the landing zone and then by helicopter to UK.

Acciardo described Smith’s injuries as “critical.”

Gibson was not injured in the collision. Acciardo said there was minor damage to the Blazer.

Deputy Kyle Gray is continuing the investigation.

Gray was assisted at the scene by Deputy Brandon Broughton and Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Chris McQueen.