Published: June 30, 2008 11:03 am      

Corbin couple walks away from fatal crash

Times-Tribune Staff Report

A Corbin couple was involved in a fatal wreck Saturday morning in Manchester, but walked away with only one receiving minor injuries.

The three-vehicle crash happened at about 9:45 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of US 421 and KY 80 in Manchester.

 According to a release from Kentucky State Police, 65-year-old Arnold Caudill of Manchester was southbound on US 421, crossing the intersection of KY 80 in a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. When he reached the intersection, Caudill crossed into the path of a 2001 Mercedes Benz driven by 73-year-old Robert Halcomb of Corbin, who was headed eastbound on KY 80.

Caudill’s vehicle was struck in the passenger side by Halcomb’s car. Caudill’s car spun clockwise, striking a third vehicle — a 1996 GMC driven by 34-year-old Jason Buttery of Manchester — before coming to rest in a ditch.

Buttery and his two passengers were stationary in the US 421 turn lane, waiting to make a left turn onto KY 80.

Caudill’s passenger, 64-year-old Martha Roark of Manchester, was killed in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene.

Caudill was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for treatment.

Halcomb received no injuries in the crash, but his passenger, 72-year-old Margaret Halcomb of Corbin, was treated and released from the Manchester Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Neither Buttery nor his two passengers received injuries.

Trooper Craig Reed is the lead investigator and was assisted at the scene by Trooper Josh Wilson, KSP Sergeant Jack Riley, the Manchester Police Department, the Manchester Fire Department, the Clay County EMS and the Clay County Coroner’s Office.