On October 10, 2023 at approximately 9:26 A.M. CST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 55 near Shearer Cemetery Road in Russell County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Tyler Yarberry, age 37 of Columbia, was traveling north on KY 55 in a 1999 International dump truck when he approached a 2007 Saturn passenger car traveling south on KY 55 operated by Jeremy Branham, age 35 of Russell Springs.  Mr. Yarberry noticed Mr. Branham’s vehicle cross the centerline of the roadway and into the northbound lane.  Mr. Yarberry steered his vehicle into the southbound lane in an attempt to avoid a collision however, Mr. Branham returned to his vehicle to the southbound lane.  The vehicles then collided in a head-on manner.

Mr. Branham was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Russell County Coroner.  Russell County EMS treated Mr. Yarberry at the scene for minor injuries.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Russell County Fire and EMS, Russell County Rescue Squad, and Russell County Coroner.  The collision remains under investigation by Senior Trooper Brandon Roark.