BRANDENBURG, Ky. — Kentucky State Police Post 4 is investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision in Meade County that claimed the lives of 29-year-old Karlie Odele Haycraft and 26-year-old Trenton Thomas.
The Kentucky State Police Reconstruction Unit is leading the active investigation into the factors that caused the vehicle to cross the center dividing line.
Published by Global Report Center
BRANDENBURG, Ky. — Kentucky State Police Post 4 is investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision in Meade County that claimed the lives of 29-year-old Karlie Odele Haycraft and 26-year-old Trenton Thomas. The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, on Old Mill Road (KY 1638) near LG&E Road. According to preliminary reports from state police, an eastbound Nissan Pathfinder crossed the center line into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a Ford Fusion operated by Thomas, in which Haycraft was a passenger. Both Haycraft and Thomas were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Meade County Coroner. Emergency responders from the Meade County Sheriff's Office, local fire departments, and Meade County EMS assisted at the crash site. Ongoing Collision Reconstruction and InvestigationThe Kentucky State Police Reconstruction Unit is leading the active investigation into the factors that caused the vehicle to cross the center dividing line. The driver of the opposing vehicle was air-lifted to the University of Louisville Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Crash investigators are evaluating mechanical evidence, road conditions, and speed factors, and no formal charges have been announced while the inquiry remains active. Community Impact and Joint Memorial InformationThe loss of Karlie Haycraft has deeply affected the Brandenburg community and brought renewed remembrance for her sister, Madisyn Taylor Gardner, who passed away unexpectedly at age 23 in November 2020. Joint funeral services for Karlie Haycraft and Trenton Thomas will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Hager Funeral Home in Brandenburg, with visitation preceding from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The family has established a memorial education trust for Haycraft's young daughters through The Cecilian Bank.
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