On 5-7-20 at 4:31 pm the Adair County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched by Adair 911 to a reported accident on KY 551 at the Holmes Bend Rd intersection. Upon emergency services arrival it was found that a cyclist had been struck by a Vehicle and they quickly realized it was one of their own.
Preliminary investigation indicates that 27 year old Hannah Morales (who is employed by Adair County Ems ) was riding her bike on KY 551 toward Columbia with the right of way . Ernesto Martinez 42 of Columbia was operating a 1999 Chevrolet truck on KY 551 heading north. Martinez was making a left hand turn attempting to merge onto Homes Bend rd and failed to see Morales on the road as she was approaching Holmes Bend Rd. Martinez struck Morales .
EMS worked to stabilize Morales on scene to prep her for flight as air medical was called to land at scene. She was air lifted by Air Evac to University of Lexington where she was listed in critical condition.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Columbia Police, Kentucky State Police, Adair EMS, Columbia Adair Fire and Constable Jason Rector.
Martinez was cited for no operators license at this time.
The investigation is still under investigation by Chief Deputy Justin Cross.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Hannah and her family for recovery and all the employees at Adair County EMS.