Family of teenager killed in road accident to carry out safety measures on the road

MADISON Co., Ky. (WKYT) – 18-year-old Jared Vanwinkle loved his large family.

“He was funny, silly. He likes to do a lot of things that I like to do,” his older brother said.

He loved baseball and especially loved comic books.

“We loved watching Marvel and superhero shows together,” said a friend, Jorian Hedges.

Vanwinkle lived on Mt. Vernon Road, near the Rockcastle County line. He was almost home after work when he was hit and killed by a car while cycling. Here his loved ones gathered to remember Vanwinkle once again.

“Everyone knows Jared was a great person. He could always make anyone laugh. He was always there for everyone and I’m glad everyone is there for him,” said another friend.

His mother, Sabrina Mahaffey, said it's not a question of if another accident will happen on that road, but when.

“Two little boys have been killed here since February. One here, the boy is coming north, now my son Jared is across the street.”

Kentucky State Police said 25-year-old Jeffrey Crowe was struck and killed while riding his motorcycle on the same road eight months ago. Now Mahaffey and other families in the area say they only fear for their children's safety.

“There is no lighting down here. At the end of the street there is a spotlight that blinds people. And as you can see, the traffic is just terrible. It’s like a racetrack or 75 down here.”

Mahaffey said she won't give up until something is done to make the road safer.

“I'm not stopping until we get something done here. It's very dangerous. I would hate for anyone to lose one of their children because of this. I’m not stopping.”

The Madison County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash. We don't yet know if charges will be filed against the driver who hit and killed Vanwinkle.

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