Cumberland Parkway Fatality Involving Parked Semi (Adair County) — Sept 8, 2025

What Happened (per public reports)

On Monday, September 8, 2025, at about 6:08 p.m. CST, Kentucky State Police Post 15 responded to a collision on the Cumberland Parkway near the 45-mile marker in Adair County. According to KSP, a semi-truck was parked on the right shoulder of the westbound lanes when its driver exited the vehicle and entered the roadway, where an approaching minivan struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian died at the scene; the investigation is ongoing. 

Regional outlets reported the same time and location details and confirmed that KSP Post 15 is leading the investigation. 

We will update this post if KSP or local officials release additional, reliable information. 

Safety Reminders for Roadside Stops & Pedestrians on Highways

• Use the shoulder only for emergencies. Choose the widest, safest area available; avoid curves and low-visibility segments.

• Make yourself visible. Activate hazard flashers and deploy reflective triangles as required; wear high-visibility apparel before stepping outside.

• Stay off live lanes. If you must exit, remain on the shoulder or beyond a barrier when possible; avoid walking in traffic lanes.

• Move Over & Slow Down (for passing drivers). Change lanes if safe; reduce speed when approaching stopped vehicles and responders.

What To Do After a Serious Highway Incident (General Steps)

• Seek medical care immediately and follow your provider’s instructions.

• Document the scene: photos/video of vehicle positions, debris, skid marks, lane lines, and any warning devices deployed.

• Capture identifiers: if a commercial vehicle is involved, note carrier name and USDOT number, license plates, witness names, and responding agencies.

• Preserve evidence: save dash-cam files; keep your phone and vehicle EDR/ECM data; don’t repair or discard key items before documenting.

• Use caution with insurers: provide basic facts until you understand your rights; consider delaying recorded statements if you’re unsure.

Evidence & Records Checklist (If a Commercial Vehicle Is Involved)

• Police collision report and any reconstruction diagrams

• Passenger-vehicle EDR/ECM data; truck ELD/telematics, recent inspection results, and dispatch notes

• Warning-device deployment details (triangles, cones, lighting) and any high-visibility gear used

• Tow/cleanup invoices; 911 audio and dispatch/CAD logs

• Traffic/roadway camera stills or third-party dash-cam footage (time-stamped)

How Morrin Law Office Helps

Morrin Law Office assists Kentuckians after serious commercial-vehicle and roadside/pedestrian incidents across the Cumberland Parkway corridor and statewide. We help families and injured people:

• Understand options and timelines in plain English

• Preserve critical evidence early (including appropriate preservation letters)

• Coordinate medical documentation and, when appropriate, consult qualified experts

We offer free information and consultations if you have questions after a truck-related collision.

Contact Morrin Law Office

Phone: (859) 358-0300

Website: morrinlawoffice.com

Office: 214 W Main St, Richmond, KY 40475

We serve clients across Kentucky.

FAQs

Is walking on a limited-access highway ever permitted?

It’s extremely dangerous and generally prohibited except for emergencies (e.g., inspecting a breakdown). Safety gear and warning devices are crucial.

Does a parked semi on the shoulder create liability?

Not automatically. Investigators assess why the stop occurred, warning-device compliance, visibility, and actions of all parties.

What if I’m partly at fault?

Kentucky’s comparative-fault rules may still allow recovery, reduced by your share of responsibility.

How soon should I act?

Deadlines can be short. Ask about statutes of limitation and any notice requirements that may apply to your situation.

Disclaimer

This post summarizes public reporting and provides general information. It is not legal advice and not a solicitation. Do not contact crash victims or families based on this post. Facts may change as official reports are released; we will update this article if new, reliable information becomes available.