Published: September 18, 2009 11:44 pm      

Criminal charges in KY 52 fatal wreck

A Richmond woman already being sued in civil court over a two-car accident that killed an Irvine man has been charged criminally in his death.

Keiley Harrison, 24, of Churchill Drive, was indicted Thursday by a Madison County grand jury on charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault and aggravated driving under the influence, second offense.

Harrison was driving a 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck that collided May 27 with a 1984 Ford pickup truck driven by 59-year-old Archie Hurley after Harrison crossed the center line of KY 52.

Hurley was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Patsy, a passenger in the truck, suffered facial injuries and was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, as was Harrison.

The indictment alleges Harrison “wantonly caused the death of Archie Hurley” and “wantonly caused serious physical injury to Patsy Hurley by means of a dangerous instrument,” her motor vehicle.

The driving-under-the-influence count is considered an aggravated charge because Harrison refused a blood-alcohol test after the accident, the indictment states.

Kentucky State Police said both vehicles in the crash sustained “very severe” damage. Archie Hurley was not believed to be wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, a police report states.

At the time of the crash, police said that alcohol was suspected as a factor in the collision.

Patsy Hurley has filed a wrongful death suit against Harrison seeking compensatory damages and funeral expenses as executrix for Archie Hurley’s estate. She also seeks compensatory damages for medical expenses and lost income for her own injuries.

If convicted of the criminal charges, Harrison could receive five to 10 years in prison each on the manslaughter and assault charges and could be jailed and fined for the driving under the influence charge.

An arraignment has not been scheduled.

An indictment is a formal statement of charges and does not imply guilt.



Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694.