Betty Hillard, Eva Mulberry Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in Walton, Kentucky, claimed the lives of two elderly women after a dump truck collided with their vehicle and crashed into a local restaurant, authorities reported.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on April 8, when an SUV carrying three people was involved in a devastating crash at a Walton intersection. The victims were identified as 91-year-old Eva Mulberry from Williamstown and 89-year-old Betty Hillard from Lexington. Both women were passengers in a Chevrolet Equinox that was stopped at the intersection before the crash.
Investigators say the 66-year-old driver of the SUV was attempting to turn left onto U.S. 25 when the vehicle crossed directly into the path of a dump truck hauling gravel. The dump truck, also driven by a 66-year-old man, tried to avoid hitting the SUV but was unable to stop in time. The resulting collision was severe.
The impact forced the SUV off the roadway, causing it to hit a guardrail and overturn. The vehicle came to a rest upside down. Sadly, both Mulberry and Hillard died at the scene due to their injuries. The driver of the SUV suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for emergency care.
Following the initial collision, the dump truck veered off the road, causing further destruction. The heavy vehicle crashed into four parked cars before slamming into the front of Boonedocks Pub and Grub, a local restaurant. Authorities confirmed that six people were inside the restaurant when the truck crashed through the front of the building. Fortunately, no one inside the restaurant was hurt.
Amanda Dearing, an employee who was working at the time, described the terrifying moment to WCPO. “We heard it, and then it came through the building. Glass and debris went everywhere. It sounded like a freight train going through a wall,” she said.
Both drivers were transported to a hospital following the accident. While the SUV driver suffered critical injuries, the dump truck driver sustained only minor injuries, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but initial findings suggest that poor visibility at the intersection may have played a role. Officials said there was no evidence that either driver was impaired or speeding at the time of the crash.
In a statement, Boonedocks Pub and Grub expressed their condolences to the families affected by the tragic event. The restaurant posted on Facebook, saying they were “deeply saddened by the tragic accident” and asked the community to keep the victims’ families, as well as the drivers involved, in their thoughts and prayers.
“This truly was a horrific and tragic accident,” the restaurant owners wrote, noting the emotional impact the crash had on their small, family-owned business.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office reported that both drivers have been cooperating fully with the investigation. As of now, no charges have been filed against either driver.
This devastating incident has left the Walton community in mourning. Walton, located about 65 miles north of Lexington, is a small town not accustomed to such catastrophic events. The accident has sparked concern about road safety in the area, particularly regarding the visibility issues at certain intersections.
Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash to determine if any improvements or safety measures can be implemented in the future to prevent similar tragedies.
Meanwhile, the families of Eva Mulberry and Betty Hillard are left grieving the loss of their loved ones. Both women were remembered as cherished family members whose lives were cut short in a sudden and heartbreaking manner.
The accident also serves as a reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike and the importance of safe driving practices, especially at intersections where visibility may be limited.
As the Walton community comes together to support those affected by this terrible event, local businesses and residents are expressing their sympathy and offering prayers for healing and comfort during this difficult time.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution at intersections and to be mindful of visibility issues that could lead to dangerous situations. While the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the safety of the community going forward.
