Fatal Crash in Burlington Kentucky

No charges have been filed, and all parties are cooperating with the investigation.

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(Burlington, KY) - On Friday, September 26, at approximately 4:01 a.m., deputies from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a single-vehicle injury collision at the intersection of East Bend Road (KY 338) and Possum Path Road in Burlington, KY. The incident resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to a passenger.

A 2009 Ford Focus, operated by Matthew Combs, 48, of Burlington, KY, was traveling westbound on East Bend Road near Possum Path Road. Combs failed to negotiate a right hand curve, crossed the center line into the opposing lane, and exited the roadway on the left side. The front left portion of the vehicle struck a tree, causing it to overturn onto its right side and block both lanes of the roadway. Combs was assessed and pronounced deceased at the scene by Burlington Fire/EMS. The right front passenger, identified as Stephanie Schulze, 44, of Burlington, KY, was extricated from the vehicle by emergency personnel and transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with potentially life-threatening injuries.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Unit is actively investigating the collision. Alcohol and drug impairment have not yet been determined; however, speed is considered a contributing factor. Combs was not wearing a seat belt, while Schulze was properly restrained at the time of the crash. No charges have been filed, and all parties are cooperating with the investigation. Next of kin have been notified.