Ky. EMS crew injured in fatal ambulance crash

Kentucky State Police said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt when his truck crossed the center line and struck a Perry County ambulance

May 19, 2026 05:55 AM

By Taylor Six
Lexington Herald-Leader

BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. — One person died in a Breathitt County crash Sunday after a truck crossed the center line and struck an ambulance returning to its station.

John Southwood, 41, of Lost Creek died as a result of the crash, according to Kentucky State Police.

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State police were called to the Jackson community around 2 a.m. Sunday where Southwood was pronounced dead.

Southwood was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on KY-15 his car crossed the center line and collided with a southbound 2016 Ford F-450 Perry County ambulance.

Southwood was not wearing his seatbelt.

Two ambulance crew members were transported to Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center for precautionary treatment, according to KSP.

Toxicology results are pending, and an autopsy has been scheduled, KSP said.

The collision remains under investigation and is being reconstructed by Trooper Branden Watts.

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