Boyle County Coroner’s Office

03/21/2026

Prayers for the victims and family

Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal UTV Collision in Boyle County

Gravel Switch, Ky. (March 21, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post, was contacted just before 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, by the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office requesting investigative assistance in reference to a single-vehicle utility terrain vehicle (UTV) collision on Forkland Road in the Gravel Switch community of Boyle County.

KSP Troopers, along with emergency medical personnel, responded to the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates that Jason Whitaker, 41, of Lebanon, Ky, was operating a Can-Am UTV on Forkland Road when he failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, exited the roadway, and struck a tree.

As a result of the collision, a passenger in the UTV, Connie Thompson, 63, of Lebanon, Ky, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Boyle County Coroner’s Office. Mr. Whitaker was airlifted to the University of Albert B. Chandler hospital with life-threatening injuries. Toxicology results are pending.

The collision remains under investigation and is being reconstructed by Detective Tyler Holt. He was assisted at the scene by personnel from Kentucky State Police, the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office, Boyle County EMS, Boyle County Fire Department, and the Boyle County Coroner’s Office.

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02/10/2026

!!!!!!! UPDATE !!!!!!!!!
We were able to locate the family. Thank you for your assistance

!!!!!!!!! SEEKING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE !!!!!!!!!

The Boyle County Coroner’s Office is seeking the next of kin on Mr. Arthur Hines with date of birth 12/22/1950 and last known address of Hickory Ln in Danville, KY. Please contact Boyle County Coroner’s Office at 859-238-1100 ext 210 if you are next of kin or have their contact information. Public assistance is appreciated!

01/12/2026

The Boyle County Coroner’s Office was contacted shortly after 10pm on 1/11/2026 to assist with the investigation of a death in regard to an officer involved shooting involving the Danville Police Department. Coroner Eric Guerrant pronounced Cody Downey, age 29 of Danville, KY deceased shortly before 1030 pm. Mr. Downey was transported to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner for autopsy. Kentucky State Police is the lead investigating agency.

06/11/2025

Thanks to all that came out to the meeting to hear from us. It’s a true privilege to have been elected to serve this great community

Part two of our Summer Courthouse Series is in the books!

Thank you to everyone who came out this evening and took part in the discussion. We especially want to thank County Attorney Chris Herron, Coroner Eric Guerrant, and County Clerk Casey McCoy for taking the time to share updates from their offices and answer questions from the community.

We’re proud to highlight the work of our local Republican officials and appreciate the transparency, professionalism, and service they bring to Boyle County. Stay tuned for details on the next installment in the series!

05/28/2025

05/17/2025

The Boyle County Coroner’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to the Laurel County Fire Department with the loss of Major Leatherman. The bravery, sacrifice and service we witnessed today from the fire, police and EMS agencies of your county was humbling.

It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Major Leslie Roger Leatherman of the Laurel County Fire Department. He was fatally injured during his response to the devastating tornado in Laurel County overnight.

Major Leatherman was a dedicated public servant for 39 years, answering the call to protect and help others in their most critical time of need. His courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Please keep Major Leatherman’s family, friends, and fellow responders in your thoughts and prayers. As we continue search and recovery efforts in the affected areas, we ask that everyone stays clear to allow our teams to do their work safely and effectively.

This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day and the incredible bravery they show in the face of disaster.

Rest in peace, Major Leatherman. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

05/17/2025

Boyle County Coroner’s Office along with Lincoln County Coroner’s Office have responded to assist the Laurel County Coroner’s Office with the horrific weather event that occurred overnight. Please pray for this community

05/11/2025

Boyle County Coroner’s Office 2024 Stats

05/11/2025

Boyle County Coroner’s Office 2023 Stats