Three people were killed in a tragic head-on collision on Sunday in Muhlenberg County after a vehicle crossed the center line and struck an oncoming pickup truck, according to the Kentucky State Police.
Authorities identified the victims as Whitney Duarte, 35, of Central City; Kevin Latham, 56, of Bremen; and Joey Watkins, 67, of Central City.
The fatal crash occurred on June 28, 2026, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 431 and Power Plant Road. Kentucky State Police Post 2 reported that the incident involved a southbound Nissan sedan and a northbound Ford pickup truck.
Investigators stated that Whitney Duarte was driving the Nissan southbound on U.S. 431 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. The Nissan then collided head-on with the Ford pickup truck.
The pickup truck was driven by Kevin Latham, with Joey Watkins riding as a passenger at the time of the crash. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and discovered all three occupants suffering from fatal injuries.
The Muhlenberg County Coroner pronounced Whitney Duarte, Kevin Latham, and Joey Watkins deceased at the scene following the impact.
Authorities have not confirmed whether any additional vehicles were involved or if other contributing factors played a role in the collision. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The investigation is being led by Kentucky State Police Trooper Travis Vandrew, and officials say they are continuing to examine all circumstances surrounding the deadly crash as the case remains active.
