Jason Shawler, 38, was reportedly driving his Mazda southbound on the Gene Snyder Freeway in the early-morning hours of Thursday, May 30, 2013. At approximately 4:15 a.m., his car was allegedly hit head-on by a 2006 Ford Ranger that was being driven the wrong way on the freeway. Mr. Shawler was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, but was pronounced dead at the accident scene. He reportedly died from multiple blunt force injuries.
The driver of the Ford Ranger was identified as David Batts. Mr. Batts was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after he was allegedly extricated from his pickup truck. The police closed the roadway for approximately four hours to investigate this accident.
Mr. Batts has since been indicted by a grand jury and charged with murder, DUI, and operating on a suspended license in connection with this fatal Louisville accident. Mr. Batts is 34 years old.
Mr. Shawler is survived by his wife of 13 years, his three children, his parents, his sister, his father-in-law, his uncles, his cousins, and many friends. He was a graduate of Beth Haven High School and was a dedicated employee, having worked as a forklift driver for the past 18 years. He is remembered as a man who was strong in faith and who was dedicated to his family.