Fatal Accident After Vehicle Changes Direction On I-65

Passenger Exited Before Vehicle Turned And Went Wrong Way

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A collision that backed up traffic on the southbound lanes of I-65 yesterday had a fatal ending after a bizarre turn of events, according to witnesses.

Kentucky State Police responded near mile marker 24 on I-65 yesterday at 4:23pm to the report of a two-vehicle injury accident. According to KSP, Cassandra Garrison (30) of St. Louis, MO was operating a 2015 Dodge Journey Crossover traveling southbound, when according to witnesses, Garrison’s vehicle braked to an extremely low rate of speed. 

KSP said that a passenger exited the vehicle, and Garrison’s vehicle changed direction and began to travel northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 65.  Garrison continued her path of travel, striking a 2003 Ford Mustang in a “head-on” manner, which was driven by 41 year-old Amy Eakles of Alvaton, KY.
 
Garrison and Eakles were transported on scene via EMS to the Medical Center Hospital in Bowling Green.  Eakles was later flown to Vanderbilt University Hospital where she succumbed to injuries at approximately 8:33 PM on Sunday.  Garrison was transferred Veto Skyline Medical Center Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  

KSP Public Affairs officer Jeremy Hodges said that KSP is conducting a criminal investigation as a result of the crash where charges are pending.

Traffic was backed up for nearly two hours as a result of the crash.
 
The  investigation continues and is currently being led by Trooper Jonathan Johnson.  Trooper Johnson was assisted on scene by the Bowling Green Police Department, Bowling Green Fire Department, and Medical Center EMS.