Local News
2 dead, 1 in critical after two-vehicle collision on Taft Highway in Dry Ridge
DRY RIDGE, Ky. (Grant County) — Two people were killed and a third was left in critical condition following a head-on collision involving two vehicles along Taft Highway on Wednesday morning, according to Kentucky State Police.
Troopers were dispatched to the crash scene at approximately 11:00 a.m. near 2935 Taft Highway, where they encountered extensive damage to both vehicles and multiple victims.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while another victim was transported in critical condition.
Preliminary emergency radio traffic indicated a severe impact, with at least one victim heavily trapped inside a vehicle and another reported to be in cardiac arrest at the scene.
First responders also reported that two juveniles sustained facial lacerations and were receiving medical treatment.
Due to the severity of the injuries, air medical evacuation was requested, with officials initially preparing for the possibility of a second helicopter if needed.
Emergency crews conducted triage to assess the total number of patients and prioritize treatment.
The roadway in the immediate area was temporarily closed as investigators and rescue personnel worked the scene.
Kentucky State Police have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Further details will be provided as the investigation continues.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.