Meldrum, KY - On September 12, 2015, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Kentucky State Police, Post 10 received a call of a fatal collision on US25E near the Meldrum community of Bell County.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Frank Barnett of Pineville, KY was stopped on the south bound shoulder of US25E in a 1967 Chevrolet cattle truck. Mr. Barnett attempted to merge into traffic and was struck by a 2000 Volvo road tractor operated by Nathan Bemis of New Tazewell, Tennessee. The cattle truck then partially overturned, ejecting the operator causing fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bell County Coroner. The Operator of the Volvo, Mr. Bemis was transported to Pineville Community Hospital for a blood test but did not sustain any injuries.
Trooper Kenny Sergent, Post Accident Reconstructionist, is conducting the investigation. Assisting him at the scene were Trooper Roy Pace, Trooper Josh Cox, Trooper Joey Brigmon and Sgt. Jason Bunch.
