KNOX COUNTY, Ky. — A quiet Wednesday evening turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after a two-vehicle crash along Highway 25E claimed the life of 73-year-old Alfred Smith of Corbin. His sudden passing has left family, friends, and the community grieving a loss that came without warning.
According to officials, Knox County 911 received a call around 7:00 p.m. reporting a serious collision just south of Higgins Road. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, where they found two heavily damaged vehicles and a situation that quickly became life-threatening.
Investigators say Smith was driving a 2001 Mercury Sable and attempting to make a left turn from North Highway 25E onto KY 1232 when his vehicle crossed into the path of a southbound 2025 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 29-year-old Cody Cox of Pineville. The vehicles collided with significant force, leaving both off the shoulder of the roadway.
First responders acted quickly in the critical moments that followed. Smith was transported by Knox County EMS to Baptist Health Corbin, where medical staff worked to save his life. Despite those efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries. The Whitley County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death, marking a devastating outcome to the crash.
Authorities stated that drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the incident. The crash remains under investigation by Deputy Elijah Broughton and Sgt. Jesse Smith, who are working to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Several agencies responded to assist, including Knox County EMS, Bailey Switch Fire Department, West Knox Fire Department, the Barbourville Police Department, and Knox County Emergency Management. As the Corbin community mourns, Alfred Smith is remembered for the life he lived and the impact he had on those around him, leaving behind memories that will not be forgotten.