The accident occurred shortly after noon on Sunday, April 7, 2013. According to the Kentucky State Police, 18-year-old Shelby Harrison was traveling east on Richmond Road in Estill County. Ms. Harrison reportedly swerved to avoid a car and ended up overcorrecting and crossing into the westbound traffic lane. When she entered the westbound traffic lane, she collided with an SUV that was reportedly driven by 50-year-old William Neal.
Mr. Neal was allegedly pronounced dead at the scene of the Kentucky car accident. His passenger, 75-year-old Ronald Whitaker, was reportedly taken to the hospital where he later died. Mr. Whitaker was Mr. Neal’s father. Mr. Neal and Mr. Whitaker were both residents of Irvine. Ms. Harrison reportedly suffered minor injuries, and her passenger, 20-year-old Justin Cotton, was reported to be uninjured.
Mr. Neal lived in Estill County, Kentucky for most of his life. He is survived by his wife, his mother, son, two daughters, sister, two brothers, and three grandchildren. He was employed by Red River Range and was a member of the Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry and the Riders for Christ.
Mr. Whitaker was also a member of the Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry and the Riders for Christ. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons, nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
Father and son were laid to rest on April 11, 2013.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, the police report that both drivers and both passengers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Our Louisville car accident lawyers extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of William Neal and Ronald Whitaker following this tragic accident.