Taylor Mill, Kentucky (October 20, 2025) — A 66-year-old man was killed Monday morning after his pickup truck was struck by a dump truck that crossed into oncoming traffic on Taylor Mill Road, according to the Kenton County Police Department.
Incident Details: Police identified the victim as Jeffrey M. Smith of Kentucky. The crash occurred around 9:54 a.m. near Red Bud Drive when a southbound dump truck veered off the right side of Taylor Mill Road. Investigators say the truck’s driver attempted to correct course but oversteered into the northbound lane, where the vehicle collided head-on with Smith’s pickup truck.
Emergency responders from the Kenton County Police and Fire Department provided aid at the scene. Smith was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, where he later died from his injuries. The dump truck driver sustained minor injuries, was treated at a local hospital, and has since been released. Both lanes of Taylor Mill Road were closed for several hours as investigators reconstructed the collision and cleared debris.
Investigation: The Kenton County Police Department’s Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. Authorities are analyzing the dump truck’s movements prior to the crash, including whether speed, distraction, or mechanical failure contributed to the vehicle leaving the roadway. The truck’s maintenance history and driver work logs may also be reviewed to determine compliance with safety standards.
Investigators will likely examine tire marks, impact angles, and roadway conditions to establish whether the driver’s overcorrection was due to loss of control, sudden obstruction, or inattention. Because dump trucks are classified as commercial vehicles, failing to maintain proper control or perform pre-trip inspections could expose the operator or employer to liability under Kentucky law.
Because the truck initially left the roadway, investigators may also consider whether poor shoulder conditions, narrow lanes, or uneven pavement contributed to the driver’s loss of control, potentially raising questions of roadway safety and government oversight.
Legal Considerations: Due to their size and weight, dump truck crashes often result in catastrophic consequences. If investigators find that the dump truck driver acted negligently, such as by overcorrecting or failing to maintain control, both the driver and the trucking company could face civil liability for wrongful death.
The Smith family may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of their loss. If mechanical failure or improper maintenance is discovered, liability may extend to the company responsible for inspecting or servicing the vehicle.
I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey M. Smith as they mourn this tragic and unexpected loss.
Source: WLWT News