Victims Eva Mulberry, Betty Hillard, and Jeffrey Whaley Involved in Fatal Collision in Boone County on April 5, 2025, When Their Vehicle Was Struck by a Gravel-Laden Dump Truck
Walon, KY – April 5, 2025 – A tragic accident occurred in Boone County on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 5, 2025, leaving one woman critically injured and two others dead. The incident involved a collision between a gravel-loaded dump truck and a passenger vehicle on Route 42, a road known for its winding paths and varying traffic conditions.
The victims of this heartbreaking accident have been identified as 91-year-old Eva Mulberry, a resident of Williamstown, Kentucky, and 89-year-old Betty Hillard from Lexington, Kentucky. Jeffrey Whaley, 66, of Independence, Kentucky, the driver of the dump truck, was also involved in the incident. The circumstances surrounding the crash have shaken the community, which is now left grappling with the devastating aftermath.
Details of the Collision
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the collision occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on April 5, 2025. Mulberry and Hillard were traveling together in their vehicle, a sedan, when they were involved in the crash. As they made a left-hand turn from Beaver Road onto Route 42, their vehicle entered the path of an oncoming dump truck, driven by Whaley, who was hauling a significant load of gravel.
The dump truck was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision, and the impact of the crash was devastating. Officials say that the speed and momentum of the truck caused it to push the victims’ vehicle off the road, where it rolled over before coming to a stop. Tragically, both Mulberry and Hillard were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the impact. Whaley, despite being involved in the crash, was uninjured but understandably shaken by the traumatic event.
The Chain of Events
Authorities have stated that the crash was set in motion when Wright, the driver of the sedan, failed to properly assess the incoming traffic on Route 42 as she made a left turn. With minimal warning, the dump truck was unable to avoid striking the vehicle in a direct collision. The force of the crash propelled the sedan off the road, where it continued to travel until it struck several parked cars near Boonedocks Pub and Grub, a popular local eatery. The truck’s momentum and weight, combined with the slippery conditions of the road due to the gravel load, made it nearly impossible for Whaley to avoid the crash.
The investigation is still ongoing, with local authorities working to review all available data, including vehicle data and road conditions at the time of the crash. According to reports from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, no charges have been filed as of Tuesday, April 5, and both drivers have been fully cooperative with the investigation. The incident remains under active investigation, and authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward.
Community Impact and Loss
The community of Walon, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas have been deeply affected by this tragedy. Mulberry and Hillard were both beloved members of the local community. Friends, family, and neighbors have shared their grief over the loss, remembering the women for their warmth, kindness, and commitment to their families. Mulberry was a long-time resident of Williamstown, and Hillard, although originally from Lexington, had been living in the area for several years.
In the wake of the accident, residents have come together to support the grieving families. Memorials and flowers have been placed at local landmarks in honor of the victims. Several community leaders have expressed their condolences, and there are plans for a memorial service to be held in the coming days.
Public Reaction and Investigation Updates
As authorities continue their investigation, many in the community are looking for answers. Local law enforcement officials are reviewing not only the events leading up to the crash but also the condition of the road, weather conditions, and the behavior of all involved drivers. Boone County’s Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone who may have been a witness to the events on the afternoon of April 5 to come forward with information. In particular, Lt. Chris Hall has requested any individuals who may have seen the incident or can provide information to contact him at chall@boonecountky.org.
Family Reflections and Funeral Arrangements
Both families have been devastated by the loss of their loved ones and are still in the process of mourning. Funeral arrangements are being discussed and are expected to be announced soon. The families have asked for privacy as they deal with their grief and make final preparations for their loved ones’ memorial services. As the community continues to share their love and support, many are eagerly awaiting updates from the investigation to better understand what happened that tragic day.
Memorial Services and Community Support
In honor of Mulberry and Hillard, a public memorial service is expected to be scheduled. Local churches and community groups have already begun organizing ways to provide comfort and assistance to the families during this difficult time. Counselors and support groups are being made available to help friends, family members, and residents cope with the shock and sadness brought on by the crash.
As the investigation into this heartbreaking incident unfolds, authorities are calling for patience and understanding from the public. The circumstances of the crash remain under review, with investigators considering all possible factors that contributed to the devastating loss of life. However, for the community of Walon and all those who knew and loved the victims, the primary focus is on remembering Eva Mulberry, Betty Hillard, and Jeffrey Whaley. Their memories will forever be a part of the fabric of the community they helped shape and leave behind.
In the days and weeks to come, the full details of the investigation are expected to emerge, shedding light on what went wrong that fateful Tuesday afternoon. Until then, residents of Boone County continue to mourn the loss of two cherished women and the tragic consequences of a collision that has left an indelible mark on the entire area.
