Local News
Whitney Duarte, Kevin Latham and Joey Watkins Killed in Head-On Crash on US-431 in Muhlenberg County
MUHLENBERG COUNTY, Ky. — Three people were killed in a devastating head-on collision Sunday in Muhlenberg County after a vehicle crossed the center line and crashed into an oncoming pickup truck, according to the Kentucky State Police.
The victims have been identified as Whitney Duarte, 35, of Central City, Kevin Latham, 56, of Bremen, and Joey Watkins, 67, of Central City.
According to Kentucky State Police Post 2, the fatal crash occurred on June 28, 2026, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 431 and Power Plant Road in Muhlenberg County.
A preliminary investigation determined that Whitney Duarte was driving a Nissan sedan southbound on U.S. 431 when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic.
The Nissan then collided head-on with a Ford pickup truck traveling northbound. The pickup was driven by Kevin Latham, 56, of Bremen, with Joey Watkins, 67, of Central City, riding as a passenger.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found all three occupants with fatal injuries.
The Muhlenberg County Coroner pronounced Whitney Duarte, Kevin Latham, and Joey Watkins dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released information regarding whether any additional occupants were involved or if other vehicles were affected by the collision.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Investigators are continuing to examine all circumstances surrounding the collision, including what caused the Nissan to cross into the opposing lane of traffic.
The investigation is being led by Kentucky State Police Trooper Travis Vandrew.
Officials have not released additional details as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — A 62-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning after a small aircraft crashed in a field in the Whiton community of DeKalb County, Alabama, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Douglas Emge, 62, of Whiton. Emergency crews responded to the crash along County Road 3, where the single-engine aircraft came down behind the Whitton water tank.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area following reports of the aircraft crash. DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Posey confirmed that one person died in the incident.
An FAA spokesperson said a Van’s RV-4 crashed in a field near Albertville at approximately 6:50 a.m. The aircraft had only one person aboard, and Emge was the pilot.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also participating. Investigators will work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Officials have not released a cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additional information is expected as investigators examine the aircraft, crash site and other available evidence.
The City of Albertville issued a statement mourning Emge, describing him as a longtime and prominent member of the Albertville Regional Airport community.
According to the city, Doug Emge was the face of Albertville Regional Airport for more than 30 years and was the founder and sole owner of Albertville Aviation, which operated the airport’s fixed-base operator, or FBO.
The city said Emge was known for helping pilots, flight crews and passengers who arrived at the airport, providing assistance with fuel, rental cars, lodging and recommendations in the community.
Albertville officials also described Emge as a Marine veteran, pilot, husband, father and grandfather. The city extended its condolences to his wife, Stacy, his family and the staff and colleagues at Albertville Regional Airport.
The City of Albertville said Emge’s contributions to the airport, the city and the wider Sand Mountain community would not soon be forgotten.
Emergency crews and investigators remained at the scene as authorities continued their response.
Officials asked members of the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel work at the crash site and the investigation gets underway.
The cause of the fatal DeKalb County plane crash remains under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.