Columbia, KY – One Killed, Several Hurt in Crash on KY 55 Bypass near Pelham Branch Rd

Columbia, KY (December 23, 2024) – A two-car crash happened on a roadway in Columbia on December 21 that led to one fatality and multiple injuries. 

Two men from Tennessee were arrested after the wreck, according to information provided by the Kentucky State Police. Troopers responded to the crash site at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, at the KY 55 Bypass and Pelham Branch Road intersection. Preliminary reports show that Joel Hammack, 46, of Crossville, Tenn., operated a 2016 Ford F150 headed south on the bypass while speeding. Hammock’s vehicle rear-ended a 2018 Kia Sorento, also headed south, operated by Townya Ritzie, 62, of Columbia. Police say the impact pushed Ritzie’s vehicle off the roadway, and it overturned. A second grader present in Ritzie’s vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two other passengers inside Ritzie’s vehicle at the time, identified as Columbia resident Susan Morgan, 66, and another juvenile, were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Another juvenile passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Hammack and his passenger, Walter Nichols, 45, of Bean Station, Tenn., were treated and released at the scene. Hammock was charged with vehicular homicide due to DUI, DUI fourth offense or greater, and several other counts of assault in the first and second degrees. Nichols was also arrested after allegedly interfering with first responders while they tried to help those involved in the crash. Multiple responders worked at the scene, including KSP Post 15 Troopers, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Fire and Rescue, Columbia Police Department, and the Adair County Coroner’s Office. 

We want to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim. We hope for the full recovery of those with injuries.

Kentucky Auto Collisions

Car wrecks occur daily in Kentucky, with the Bluegrass State averaging approximately 150,000 traffic accidents each year. Of these, around 25,000 result in injuries, and more than 700 end in fatalities. Tragically, the majority of these accidents are caused by negligent drivers.

Negligence is a leading factor behind most auto accidents in Kentucky and across the United States. Nationally, over 90% of car wrecks are attributed to driver negligence. Fatigued, distracted, or intoxicated drivers significantly increase the risk of causing harm to themselves and others on the road. These careless and unlawful behaviors endanger countless lives, making injurious or fatal accidents more likely when drivers fail to exercise caution and attentiveness.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a traffic accident caused by a negligent driver, it’s crucial to seek the help of a skilled and experienced car crash lawyer. At the Regard Law Group, we dedicate our efforts to assisting crash victims and their families as they recover from the damages caused by negligent drivers.

Losing a loved one in a fatal traffic accident is one of life’s most painful experiences. If you’ve recently experienced such a loss and believe negligence may have played a role in the crash, contacting a wrongful death attorney in Columbia can help. A skilled attorney can guide you through the process of holding the responsible party accountable and securing justice for your loved one.

Reach out to a car crash lawyer by calling our law office at (859) 281-1318 to learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time. Our team is prepared to build a strong legal claim proving another party’s fault in your accident. We will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the financial compensation and justice you deserve. Do not hesitate to contact our firm to learn more about how we can help you move forward.

Note: This content was developed using various external resources, including news outlets, police and fire reports, social media, and direct accounts of serious injury accidents in Kentucky. Regard Law has not independently confirmed every detail associated with this incident. If you identify any inaccurate information in this post, please notify us immediately so we can correct it. Additionally, we are willing to remove a post upon request.

Disclaimer: This post does not serve as a solicitation for legal services, and none of the information provided here should be taken as medical or legal advice. The accompanying image is purely illustrative and does not represent the actual scene of the incident.