Two local residents were killed Saturday near Caneyville in a crash on the West Kentucky Parkway.
According to the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded about 2:19 p.m. Saturday to the 93-mile marker on the West Kentucky Parkway to investigate a report of an injury crash. Initial investigation revealed that Charles Brent Martin, 43, of Benton was driving a 2007 Nissan Armada east on the Parkway, when for unknown reasons he dropped off the road into the median, then overcorrected and lost control. Martin’s vehicle crossed both eastbound lanes, then struck an earthen embankment head on, ejecting one passenger before overturning at least twice and coming to a rest upside down.
Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. Melanie L. Wiles, 42, also of Benton, was taken to Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center in Leitchfield after she was ejected from the rear passenger side of the SUV. She later succumbed to injuries suffered in the crash and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Two other passengers, Cody F. Sykes and Hayley C. Warner, both 22, also of Benton, suffered serious life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville. Their condition was unknown as of 8 p.m. Sunday.
Martin’s wife, Emily Martin, 42, was taken to Twin Lakes Medical Center where she was treated and later released. Emily Martin serves as Marshall County Treasurer.
A sixth passenger in the car, Christian P. Wiles, 42, also of Benton, suffered minor injuries in the crash.
According to GCSO, no one was wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. Police do not suspect drugs or alcohol as contributing factors in the incident.
Kentucky State Police, Grayson County EMS, Caneyville Volunteer Fire Department and the Grayson County Coroner’s office all assisted on scene.