HODGENVILLE, Ky. (April 23, 2024)- The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating a fatal collision involving a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) contract worker that occurred in LaRue Co. Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at approximately 9:00anET, Kentucky State Police Post 4 was requested by LaRue Co. Dispatch to investigate a fatal collision that occurred involving a van and a highway worker near the 3100 block of Old Elizabethtown Road (KY 210). The preliminary investigation reveals that Henry T. James, 74, of Louisville, was operating a 2000 GMC Savana eastbound on Old Elizabethtown Road when he entered a portion of the roadway that was reduced to one lane due to routine maintenance operations. James failed to observe Blake Barnes, 22, of Elizabethtown, a KYTC contracted worker, who was in the eastbound lane of the roadway flagging traffic before he was struck by James. 

Barnes was pronounced deceased at the scene by the LaRue Co. Coroner’s Office. James reported no injuries to officials. 

The affected portion of Old Elizabethtown Road was closed for several hours to allow troopers to reconstruct the collision. KSP was assisted at the scene by the LaRue Co. Sheriff’s Department, LaRue Co. Coroner, LaRue Co. Fire Department, and the LaRue Co. EMS. The collision remains under investigation by reconstructionist Det. Kevin Dreisbach.