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.
Local News
No Survivors After Small Plane Crashes in Flames at Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — Authorities are responding to a small aircraft crash in Lake of the Ozarks State Park after the plane went down near Public Beach Drive on Tuesday, November 3. Officials say no survivors are expected.
Osage Beach Mayor Richard Ross said he received information from city staff indicating that at least two people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed.
According to Ross, the plane had taken off from Lee C. Fine Airport, located within Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The aircraft reportedly crashed a short time after departure and was found engulfed in flames.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that troopers were responding to the incident. At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, Troop F reported that the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames near Public Beach Drive in Camden County.
Public Beach Drive is located southwest of Lee C. Fine Airport, the reported departure point of the aircraft.
Airport personnel were unable to provide additional information about the crash.
The number and identities of those aboard have not been officially confirmed in the information currently available. Authorities have also not released details about the aircraft, the circumstances leading up to the crash, or the cause of the incident.
Emergency crews are responding as the investigation continues. Additional information, including official confirmation of fatalities and victim identities, is expected to be released by authorities.