Nebo, KY – Kentucky State Police information officer, Trooper Stu Recke, reports that James (J.D.) Franklin died at the scene of a 2:03 P.M. accident on US 41A & KY 502 on Thursday. Franklin the former owner/operator of Franklin Coal Company in Providence mined coal at several locations in Western Kentucky.

Trooper Ben Sawyer is the investigating officer and reports that the accident involved three vehicles: a 2005 Dodge Caravan driven by 77 year old James (JD) Franklin and was wearing his seatbelt with no passengers; 29 year old Eric Cruce of Providence driving a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado with seatbelt and no passengers; and, 50 year old Keith Harris of Rockport, IN. driving a 2005 Freightliner Box Truck using a seatbelt and no passengers.

SUMMARY: Eric Cruce was operating a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on US 41A approaching the intersection of KY 502. Mr. Cruce slowed his vehicle to make a left turn onto KY 502. James Franklin was operating a 2005 Dodge Caravan southbound on US 41A approaching Mr. Cruce’s vehicle. Mr. Franklin was unable to stop in time and the right, front bumper of his vehicle struck the left, rear bumper of Mr. Cruce’s vehicle. Mr. Franklin’s vehicle then swerved into the northbound lane of travel where it was struck head-on by a northbound, 2005 Freightliner box truck operated by Keith Harris. The box truck exited the right shoulder of the roadway and struck a utility pole. It came to rest against the utility pole facing northwest. Mr. Franklin’s vehicle traveled across both lanes of travel and came to rest in the Nebo Service Center parking lot. Mr. Cruce’s vehicle came to rest off the right shoulder of the roadway. Mr. Franklin was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hopkins County Deputy Coroner, Jeff Mayfield. Both Mr. Cruce and Mr. Harris were transported by ambulance to the Regional Medical Center for treatment. All subjects involved were wearing seat belts. The crash remains under investigation by the Kentucky State Police.

The injuries to Cruce and Harris were not believed to be life threatning.  At 7:20 P.M. Thursday, both were still being treated in the Regional Medical Center Emergency Room in Madisonville.

The Nebo Volunteer Fire Department, Medical Center Ambulance Service and Hopkins County Deputy Coroner, Jeff Mayfield assisted at the scene.