Two Dead In Three-Vehicle Accident In NKY

The crash took place Friday afternoon at I-75 and Mary Grubbs Highway in Walton.

Shutterstock photo.

(Walton, Ky.) – Two people were killed in a three-vehicle accident in northern Kentucky.

Boone County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash on Friday around 5:00 p.m. at the Interstate 75 southbound exit ramp to Mary Grubbs Highway in Walton.

According to witnesses, a white 2019 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Gregory Burke, 57, of Union, was exiting I-75 when he collided with the rear end of a brown 2007 Honda Civic that was stopped in traffic.

The collision pushed the Honda Civic into the rear of a 2020 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck that was also stopped in traffic.

Two passengers in the Honda Civic suffered fatal injuries. Autumn Ward, 15, of Newport, and Jeff Mardis, 52, of Walton, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Civic, Wendy Ward, 37, of Newport, sustained life-threatening injuries.

Burke was treated at St. Elizabeth Florence for minor injuries.

Deputies do not believe intoxication is a contributing factor.

The crash remains under investigation.

More from Local News

Events

Dearborn County Citizens Submit Alternative Commercial Solar Ordinance Proposal

The citizen-prepared proposal emphasizes protections for neighboring property owners and the county’s rural character.

The Stories Beneath Our Feet: Discovering 2,000 Years of Local History

Discovery Is at The Heart of the Archaeological Research Institute

Retired Teachers Hold Resource Fair at 2026 Fall Meeting

The group also collected items for their 2026 Community Service Project

Batesville Star to Represent SEI at Cross Country State Finals

See more results from the Cross Country Regionals.

Batesville Wins in Four Sets to Capture Regional Championship

Next up is a Semi-State Semifinal matchup with a top team from Indianapolis.

Oldenburg Academy Punches Ticket to State Championship

The Twisters will play #1 Fort Wayne Blackhawk in the State Finals.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Jason Aldean - How Far Does A Goodbye Go

Garth Brooks What She's Doing Now 6:32
Terri Clark I Just Wanna Be Mad 6:27
Tyler Childers In Your Love 6:23
Mary Chapin Carpenter Shut Up and Kiss Me 6:17