Two Dead and One Injured in Mason County Highway Crash

Menu MASON COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky State Police have confirmed that two individuals lost their lives and another sustained injuries following a serious collision on Highway 9 Saturday night. The accident occurred around 8:25 p.m. in Mason County, near the intersection with Slack Pike Road.

The preliminary investigation by KSP revealed that a Nissan Xterra, operated by 38-year-old William Lee Johnny Darnell, was traveling westbound when it struck the rear of a Hyundai Sonata, driven by 39-year-old Joshua Wells. Following the impact, Wells’ vehicle veered into the eastbound lanes, where it subsequently collided with a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 31-year-old Marlena Arthur.

Emergency responders pronounced both Joshua Wells and his passenger, 44-year-old Latasha Kay Wells, dead at the scene. Marlena Arthur was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Hospital, where she remains under care, according to officials.

In the aftermath of the crash, William Lee Johnny Darnell was arrested and faces multiple charges, although specific details regarding the charges have not been disclosed as the investigation is ongoing.

Kentucky State Police Post 8 is leading the investigation and encourages anyone with information related to the accident to reach out by calling 606-784-4127.

As details continue to unfold, authorities are prioritizing the investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic collision.