MAYFIELD, Ky (News First) – On June 21, 2024, at approximately 3:55 p.m., Kentucky State Police Post 1 received numerous 911 calls reporting a vehicle collision at the intersection of KY 440 and KY 408 West, about two miles south of the Lowes community. Deputies and first responders arrived to find two vehicles had collided, resulting in three individuals with injuries and one fatality.
The investigation determined that Robert L. Garner, 80, of Advance, Missouri, was traveling westbound on KY 408 West, driving a 2014 Ford pickup truck and pulling a single-axle trailer. Simultaneously, Christian Taylor, 16, of Lowes, was driving a 2016 Toyota minivan northbound on KY 440. Garner pulled into Taylor’s path at the intersection, causing a collision. Both vehicles then veered off the northwest side of the roadway, hitting a utility pole and splitting it in half. Garner’s vehicle came to rest on its driver’s side in a field.
Taylor received minor injuries and was transported to Jackson Purchase Medical Center. His mother, Carrie P. Taylor, 43, a passenger in the minivan, sustained serious injuries and was transported by Mayfield/Graves County EMS to the old Lowes Elementary School before being airlifted to Skyline Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
Margaret Garner, 80, of Advance, Missouri, a passenger in the Ford pickup, received minor injuries and was taken to Baptist Hospital in Paducah by Mayfield/Graves County EMS. Robert Garner was pronounced dead at the scene by the Graves County Coroner’s Office.
The roadway was closed or restricted to one lane of traffic until 9:21 p.m. to allow for the replacement of the damaged utility poles.
Chief Deputy Jeremy Prince is continuing the investigation into the collision. He was assisted by Sheriff Jon Hayden, Sgt. Richard Edwards, Detective Sgt. Snapper Seaton, Deputy Chad Hall, Mayfield/Graves County EMS, the Mayfield Fire Department, Mayfield/Graves County Fire & Rescue Squad, Graves County Emergency Management, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Department of Highways, Jackson Purchase Electric, the Graves County Coroner’s Office, and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the citizens and neighbors who assisted at the scene, providing water and comfort to victims and first responders. They also request that the community keep the Garner and Taylor families in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
