Upon arrival Deputies found that a 2013 Ford Fiesta being operated by 25 year old Paul Rafferty of Taylor County had struck a 1989 Freightliner being operated by 67 year old Darrell Sprowles of Taylor. Deputies observed Rafferty was unresponsive and pinned in vehicle.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Rafferty was traveling at a high rate of speed heading north when he cane upon sprowles who was operating a lower speed due to being loaded with Grain. Rafferty was unable to recognize that the semi was going at a slower speed and was unable to slow in time before striking it in the rear.
Rafferty had to be extricated with mechanical means by the Columbia Adair County Fire Department where he was then treated by Adair County EMS and transported to TJ Health of Columbia. He was then flown by Air Methods to University of Louisville Hospital.
The Collision was investigated by Deputy Joey Keith who was assisted on scene by Deputy Josh Durbin and Kentucky State Troopers.
Sheriff Josh Brockman
Adair County Sheriff’s Office