Southfork, Ky. (January 6, 2023) – On Thursday, January 5, 2023, at approximately 8:32 P.M, Kentucky State Police, Post 13, Hazard, received a call of a single vehicle accident on KY 1098 in the Southfork community of Breathitt County.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Chad Wesley Hardin, 31 of Ezel was operating a black 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt when the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve causing the vehicle to lose control. The vehicle traveled off the roadway striking a tree. The Breathitt County Coroners Office responded to the scene and pronounced Hardin deceased along with a passenger in the vehicle John Raymond Hardin, 29 of Jackson.

No seat belts were in use at the time of the collision. Toxicology and autopsy results are currently pending.  This incident remains under investigation by Trooper Justin Baker. Trooper Baker was assisted on scene by reconstructionist Trooper Jarret Fields.

# # #