Man Killed In Stolen Motorcycle Pursuit Collision

Members of the Kentucky State Police and the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office investigate the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
A Grayson County man was killed today after a two-county police pursuit ended in a motorcycle crash.

According to Kentucky State Police, troopers were called to investigate a fatal collision involving a motorcycle near the 2500 block of Sunfish Bee Spring Road in Edmonson County around 1PM. 

KSP reported that the Grayson County Sheriff's Office initiated a pursuit of a stolen motorcycle being operated by 34 year-old Kristopher M. Burden of Leitchfield.  The Grayson County Sheriff's Deputy lost sight of the motorcycle as it entered Edmonson County, a KSP press release said.  An Edmonson County Deputy Sheriff observed the motorcycle southbound on Highway 259 North in the Kyrock area of Edmonson County and KSP said the operator of the vehicle made an unlawful turn in the middle of the roadway, nearly striking another vehicle that was traveling on Highway 259 North. The Edmonson County Sheriff's Deputy then initiated a pursuit of the motorcycle. 

The motorcycle turned west onto Sunfish Bee Spring Road where Burden failed to negotiate a curve and exited the roadway.  Kristopher Burden was ejected from the motorcycle after striking a roadway sign and guardrail.  Kristopher Burden was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Edmonson County Coroner.  Burden was reportedly not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. 

The investigation continues and is being led by Detective Michael Waggener.  He was assisted on the scene by Brownsville Police Department, Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson County EMS, Kyrock Fire Department, Bear Creek Fire Department, Edmonson County District 5 Constable, and Edmonson County Coroner.  

Sheriff Shane Doyle discussed the incident with the Edmonson Voice.

“Because this is an active KSP investigation, there’s not a whole lot that I can comment at on at this time," he said. "I can say, however, that while this is a tragic event, I’m proud of our officers for the way they conducted themselves. The deputy that responded administered life-saving measures until relieved by EMS, and he always puts the greater safety of the community above himself. We rely on the Kentucky State Police to conduct these kinds of investigations, because we know that the independence of KSP and transparency they provide will allow for a proper and complete examination of the facts and evidence surrounding this terrible situation. We cannot comment further at this time.”