From Kentucky State Police Post 10 -
On Thursday March 18, 2021 at 5:15 PM, Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan received a call of a two vehicle collision on KY 38 in the Evarts community of Harlan Co. Troopers from Post 10 Harlan responded and began an investigation which indicates that 30 year old Richard Fuson was operating a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado on KY 38. Fuson was the only occupant in the vehicle, he was transported to University of Tennessee for life threatening injuries.
26 year old Kayla Blevins was operating a 2006 silver Nissan Altima with multiple passengers at the time of the collision. She was transported to Harlan ARH Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The front passenger, 59 year old Lourene Cottrell was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A back passenger, William Cottrell was transported to University of Tennessee Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Three other passengers, including 2 young children were treated and released at Harlan ARH Hospital.
KSP will continue to investigate and reconstruct the collision. At this time KSP does not suspect drugs or alcohol as a factor in the collision.
KY 38 has been reopened. Collision is still under investigation by det. Andy Soltess. He was assisted at the scene by Harlan County Coroner’s office, Harlan County Rescue Squad and LifeGuard EMS.