On October 10th, 2020 at 12:35 A.M., Deputies responded to the entrance of what was once the old Ledbetter Bridge (George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge) for a single vehicle collision.
Deputies determined that a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck, being operated by 24-year-old Levi Darnall of Benton, KY, was traveling east on Clark’s River Road. Near Jamestown Plaza, Darnall took the exit towards the old Ledbetter bridge. Darnall failed to yield to roadway signs and barricades indicating the road closure. After colliding with the barricade, the vehicle continued through a grassy field and eventually traveled over a large embankment where the bridge once stood. The pickup truck fell approximately 50 feet where it struck the ground and came to a final rest on its roof.
Darnall and four other passengers were transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-incapacitating injuries. The passengers include 23-year-old Gage Tynes, 20-year-old Rylen Sutherland, 22-year-old Weston Duke, and 20-year-old Mason Green, all of Benton, KY.
A fifth passenger in the vehicle, 23-year-old Matthew Hunt of Benton, KY was transported to a local hospital for treatment of incapacitating injuries. Hunt was later transported to an out of state hospital for further treatment.
Darnall was placed under arrest for first offense DUI with aggravating circumstances, second degree assault, four counts of fourth degree assault, first degree criminal mischief, and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle.
The Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Reidland-Farley Fire Department, Paducah Fire Department, Mercy EMS, and Lent’s Towing and Recovery.