A Missouri man was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle fatality in Ballard County involving a semi driven by a Fredonia man.
Kentucky State Police Post 1 in Mayfield, was notified by the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office, of a collision at 6:05 p.m. Wednesday on U.S. 51 a half-mile south of Wickliffe.
Preliminary investigation shows that Charles E. Oliver, 50, of Charleston, Mo., was operating a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Truck traveling northbound on U.S. 51. Michael W. Skees, 40, of Fredonia was operating a 2012 Freightliner semi tractor trailer traveling southbound on U.S. 51. For an unknown reason, Oliver crossed the centerline and traveled under the trailer portion of the oncoming big rig. Oliver was pronounced dead on scene by the Ballard County Coroner. Skees was not injured in the collision.
Preliminary investigation shows that Oliver was not wearing his seat belt. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this collision. An autopsy has been scheduled by the Ballard County Coroner.
Trooper Cody Cecil, is continuing the death investigation. Trooper Jody Cash is conducting the collision reconstruction.
KSP was assisted by the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office, Wickliffe City Fire Department, Ballard County Fire Rescue, Ballard County EMS, Carlisle County Constable, Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Department of Transportation, Ballard County Emergency Management, and the Ballard County Coroner’s Office.
