Jackson, KY. – A Breathitt County man was killed early Sunday morning when the Utility Vehicle he was operating collided with a tree. Troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 13, along with Jackson Police Department, McIntosh EMS and Jackson Fire Department responded to Quicksand Creek Road in the Quicksand community of Breathitt County in response to a call advising of the collision at approximately 5:00 a.m.
Investigators initially determined that Shawn Howard was operating a 2013 Can-Am Maverick UTV on Quicksand Creek Road, when he apparently lost control of the vehicle in loose gravel, and traveled off of the roadway. The UTV continued over an embankment and collided with a tree.
A passenger on the vehicle, Sarah Turner, was able to call for assistance. She was transported to Kentucky River Medical Center before being airlifted to University of Kentucky Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Shawn Howard, age 40 of Jackson, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Breathitt County Coroner George Griffith. Howard was a 19 year veteran with the Jackson Police Department.
An autopsy will be performed at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort, and toxicology results are pending. Detective Brandon Thomas with KSP Post 13 is investigation this incident.
