CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Lexington teen is dead after a car crash on Athens Boonesboro Road in Clark County Tuesday night.
According to Coroner Neal Oliver, 17-year-old Kaylee Goodman was killed after her vehicle went off the roadway and hit a tree.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
A bouquet of flowers sits wedged in the tree that Goodman’s car hit - a reminder of what happened there for drivers speeding by.
Jonathan Crase, who co-owns the nearby Hall’s on the River restaurant, heard the crash and rushed to the scene after. It was tough to look at, he said.
“It was rough,” he said. “It's very difficult for everyone involved I'm sure. It's terrible to have such a young life taken away like that in such a manner.”
Driving on the stretch of roads is difficult, featuring multiple twists and sharp declines. LEX18 observed multiple people driving at a high rate of speed while near the crash site.
“I know there's been accidents in the past but I don't think there's been anything like this in some time, Crase said.
Goodman was a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington.
The school's acting principal, Andrea Tinsley, released the following statement about the incident to Dunbar families:
Dear PLD Families: I am deeply saddened to inform you that we have suffered a devastating loss within our PLD community. Last night, Kaylee Goodman, a senior at Dunbar, passed away in a tragic accident. Kaylee was known for her kindness and her ability to connect with others, and her absence will be deeply felt by her teachers, friends, and classmates.It is possible that your child has already heard about this heartbreaking news today, but we wanted to communicate with all families so that you have the opportunity to discuss it with your child at home. We encourage you to ask them about their feelings and emotions and to openly share your own as well. Some children may be particularly upset and need more support. It is normal for reactions to be intense initially, but they usually diminish over time. The most important thing you can do is listen attentively, provide reassurance, and offer comfort.Please look for changes in behavior that may signal that your child needs additional grief support. If you feel your child needs any help or resources, please talk to our counselors or your healthcare provider so we can work together to support your child. See below for a list of crisis and mental health resources:
Mental Health Crisis ResourcesCrisis Hotlines
- The Ridge Behavioral Health Systems 800-753-4673
- Samaritan Hospital 859-226-7000
- U of L Peace Hospital (formerly known as Our Lady of Peace) 859-313-3515
- New Vista 24-Hour Crisis Line (formerly Bluegrass.org) 800-928-8000
Other Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8500
- Suicide Crisis Textline Text Help to 741741
Community Mental Health Resources
- FCPS Mental Health Resource Page [fcps.net]
- Mental Health Resource Library [galesupport.com]
- FCPS Emotional Support & Self-Care Resources [sites.google.com]
Please reach out to me personally if you have any questions or concerns, or if our team can offer any additional support and encouragement for your student.
- KVC Behavioral Health Kentucky 859-254-1035
- Mountain Comprehensive Care 859-368-8897
- New Vista (formerly Bluegrass.org) 859-233-0444
- The Ridge Behavioral Health Systems 859-269-2325
- Sunrise Children’s Services 859-455-8185
Let us come together as a community, supporting one another during this time of immense grief. Our hearts go out to Kaylee's family and friends and all those affected by this tragedy.
