Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision in Owen County

Owen County Sheriff's Deputy was also injured in the collision

OWENTON, Ky. (October 19, 2024) –The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was requested by KSP Post 5 Campbellsburg to investigate a two-vehicle collision that occurred Friday afternoon on US 127 North near KY 36 (New Liberty Turnpike) in Owen County involving an Owen County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Deputy.

The preliminary investigation indicates an OCSO Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicle, operated by Deputy Frank Blackwell, 31, of Glencoe, Ky., was traveling north on US 127 with emergency lights and sirens activated, responding to an overdose complaint. A 2014 Subaru Forester, operated by Kathleen Fresard, age 71, of Willisburg, Ky. was traveling north on US 127 ahead of several other vehicles, and ahead of Deputy Blackwell. As Deputy Blackwell attempted to pass the slower traffic, Ms. Fresard made a left turn in the path of Deputy Blackwell’s vehicle, resulting in the collision.

Ms. Fresard sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported from the scene by ambulance to a helicopter landing zone, where she succumbed to her injuries. Deputy Blackwell was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. He is a 5-year veteran of the OCSO.

Kentucky State Police was assisted at the scene by Owen County Rescue Squad, Owen County Sheriff’s Office, New Liberty Fire Department, Owen County Coroner’s Office and Owenton Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing