Local News
Victims Identified After Three Medical Helicopter Crew Members Killed in Owenton Crash
A somber mood hangs over Kentucky following the tragic crash of a medical helicopter on Monday evening in Owen County. Three crew members lost their lives in the accident, which occurred near Kentucky Highway 22 East.
Kentucky State Police confirmed the identities of the deceased as Pilot Gale “Butch” Alleman, Flight Nurse Bethany Aicken, and Flight Paramedic James Welsh.
The Owen County coroner pronounced them dead at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the helicopter, a Bell 206, went down around 6 p.m.
According to Air Evac Lifeteam, the air medical service company operating the helicopter, the crew members were from their Grant County base (AEL 133) and were en route to pick up a patient when the crash happened.
“This is a terribly sad event, and our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of our employees,” a spokesperson for Air Evac Lifeteam expressed in a statement. “Our top priority right now is supporting the impacted families and our team members. We have deployed critical incident stress management teams to assist everyone during this difficult time.”
The spokesperson added that Air Evac Lifeteam is cooperating fully with the investigations being conducted by both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The NTSB expects investigators to arrive at the scene on Tuesday afternoon. However, they cautioned that uncovering the cause and circumstances surrounding the crash will be a lengthy process.
“A preliminary report will be issued within 30 days of the accident,” an NTSB statement explained. “This report will contain factual information gathered during the initial investigation phase.
Determining the probable cause of the crash, along with any contributing factors, will be detailed in the final report, which is expected to take 12 to 24 months to complete.”
The NTSB urged anyone with information or surveillance footage that might aid their investigation to contact them via email at witness@ntsb.gov.
The crash also caused a brief power outage for multiple Owen Electric Cooperative, Inc. customers around 6:30 p.m. Thankfully, power was restored to all affected areas just 20 minutes later by 6:50 p.m.
Local News
KaโOnteeโ Dajuan Johnson Killed in Crash on Lucas and Hunt Road in North St. Louis County
Authorities have identified the pedestrian killed in an early-morning crash in north St. Louis County as KaโOnteeโ Dajuan Johnson, 30.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, North County Precinct, officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash at approximately 1:26 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the 9000 block of Lucas and Hunt Road.
Upon arrival, officers located Johnson, who had been struck by at least one vehicle while he was in the roadway.
Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police stated that the driver of one involved vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Johnson was in the roadway at the time he was struck.
Family members have expressed concerns that another vehicle may have struck Johnson first and fled the scene, and they believe the circumstances surrounding the incident may involve possible foul play.
Authorities have not confirmed these claims but noted that the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident remains under active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information related to this crash is urged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or be eligible for a potential reward may contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).