Henderson, KY (September 14, 2026) – A 19-year-old man died on Sunday afternoon, September 13, after the ATV he was riding collided with a car at the intersection of KY 359 and Grandpa Jones Road in Henderson County, according to state police.
The Kentucky State Police say troopers responded to the crash around 1:20 p.m. Authorities say a car was headed south on KY 359 while the ATV was traveling east on Grandpa Jones Road. According to the agency, the ATV rider did not stop at the intersection and was struck by the car.
The ATV rider, identified by authorities as 19-year-old Leland Majors, was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The driver of the car, identified as 45-year-old Betty McPherson, has not been reported injured, according to the release.
State police say the crash remains under investigation. No further details on the cause have been released.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
How Investigators Piece Together a Fatal ATV Crash
A collision like this one typically starts with troopers securing the scene, taking measurements, and photographing vehicle positions, skid marks, and debris before anything is moved. Investigators trained in crash reconstruction often return to the intersection later to study sightlines, signage, and road conditions, since a scene photo alone rarely explains why a vehicle failed to stop.
Names are usually withheld until the medical examiner’s office and the family have been formally notified, which can take hours or, in some cases, longer if relatives live out of the area. Toxicology results, when ordered, are processed by a state lab and often take several weeks to come back, so an initial press release rarely reflects the full picture.
A final crash report can take weeks or months, especially when it involves an off-highway vehicle at a public road intersection, since investigators may need to determine whether the ATV was legally permitted on that stretch of roadway. Families are often encouraged to request a copy of the final report once it’s completed rather than relying on early statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can contact the investigating agency, in this case, the Kentucky State Police, to ask how to request the official crash report once it’s finalized. Many agencies also have a victim services liaison who can help with notifications and paperwork.
How are fatal crashes like this investigated?
Troopers document the scene, interview witnesses, and often bring in a reconstruction specialist to analyze vehicle speed, positioning, and right-of-way. Physical evidence at the intersection, such as skid marks or debris, plays a central role.
How long do these investigations typically take?
Basic facts are usually released within a day or two, but a complete report, including any toxicology results, can take several weeks to a few months, depending on lab backlogs and the complexity of the crash.
What role does impairment play in fatal ATV crashes?
Impairment is one of several factors investigators routinely check for in fatal crashes, but it is never assumed. Toxicology testing, when conducted, is used to confirm or rule it out as part of the broader investigation.
What to Do After an ATV Crash in Henderson, Kentucky
If you witness or are involved in an ATV crash, call 911 immediately and stay clear of traffic while waiting for help. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries from a collision at speed don’t show symptoms right away.
Anyone with information about a crash under investigation is typically asked to contact the responding agency directly rather than share details secondhand. For families navigating the days after a loss like this, local support resources and the Henderson County coroner’s office can help with next steps regarding notifications and records.
