Fatal tractor-trailer crash on I-65 North near Lebanon Junction in Hardin County (Feb. 16, 2026)

At a glance

• When: Monday, February 16, 2026, about 9:46 a.m. EST (KSP)
• Where: I-65 North near mile marker 103, near Lebanon Junction (Hardin County) (KSP)
• What: Two-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer; passenger vehicle struck the rear of the truck (KSP)
• Fatality: Drew Cookenmaster, 29, of Hodgenville, pronounced deceased at the scene (KSP)
• Truck driver: Not injured (KSP)

Quick facts (public info only)

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 4 says troopers responded around 9:46 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2026 to a two-vehicle fatal collision at the 103-mile marker on I-65 northbound near Lebanon Junction in Hardin County.

KSP’s preliminary investigation indicates northbound traffic had slowed due to a prior collision near mile marker 106, and a blue Hyundai Elantra struck the rear of a northbound tractor-trailer.

What has been publicly reported about how it happened

KSP reports that traffic slowed in the northbound lanes because of an earlier crash near MM 106. KSP says a blue Hyundai Elantra driven by Drew Cookenmaster, 29, of Hodgenville, struck the rear of a northbound tractor-trailer driven by Shakisha Brewington, 52, of Schertz, Texas.

KSP reports Cookenmaster was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Hardin County Coroner, and the tractor-trailer operator was not injured.

Why this crash matters for Kentucky drivers

Sudden slowdowns on interstates can create a “queue” with little time to react. Rear-end crashes involving tractor-trailers can be especially severe because of speed differences and the forces involved. This is one reason secondary crashes sometimes happen in backups after an earlier wreck.

Who may be liable (fact-dependent)

Early public releases often describe a preliminary sequence, but legal responsibility can depend on details that aren’t public right away (scene evidence, vehicle condition, visibility, and how the traffic slowdown developed).

Depending on what the investigation shows, issues may include:

• The passenger vehicle driver’s insurance/estate considerations (how claims are handled can vary)
• The tractor-trailer driver and motor carrier only if later evidence supports an independent safety issue (for example, lighting, lane position, or other compliance concerns)
• Other parties if supported by evidence (maintenance factors or roadway-condition issues)

Evidence that often matters in tractor-trailer fatal crashes

Even when early reporting seems straightforward, investigations often rely on:

• ECM/telematics (speed, braking, stability events, location points)
• Any available dash-cam video (truck or third-party)
• Scene documentation (impact area, debris field, final rest positions)
• Inspection/maintenance records (including braking and lighting)
• 911/CAD timelines and lane-closure details that help explain how quickly traffic slowed and how the backup formed

What to do if you were affected by the crash or resulting backup

If you were involved in a secondary collision, struck debris, or suffered losses during the closure:

1. Put medical care first and document symptoms and follow-ups.
2. Save dash-cam clips immediately (many systems overwrite quickly).
3. Take photos when safe: damage, debris, lane conditions, detours.
4. Write down your time window, direction of travel, and where traffic stopped.
5. Keep receipts for towing, rentals, repairs, and missed work.
6. Be cautious with recorded insurance statements until you understand what evidence exists and which insurers are involved.

How Morrin Law Office helps after a commercial vehicle crash

Commercial vehicle cases can involve different evidence and multiple insurance layers. Morrin Law Office may be able to help by:

• Moving quickly to request preservation of key evidence (telematics/ECM, dash-cam, maintenance and dispatch records when available)
• Identifying the correct carrier and insurer(s) when details aren’t public early on
• Explaining Kentucky next steps clearly and building an evidence-focused plan

Free Professional Case Evaluation: Call 859-358-0300.

Morrin Law Office
214 W Main St, Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: 859-358-0300

What we still don’t know (from public reporting)

• The motor carrier name and USDOT number for the tractor-trailer
• Any citations or enforcement conclusions beyond the preliminary narrative
• Whether additional investigative findings will be released publicly

Sources

https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/news/p4-2-16-2026
https://www.lex18.com/news/1-person-killed-in-i-65-crash-involving-tractor-trailer-in-hardin-county
https://www.whas11.com/article/traffic/hodgenville-man-killed-in-hardin-county-crash-drew-cookenmaster/417-109a7f00-2d4e-4cd0-848e-0475a995cd98
https://www.wtvq.com/ksp-investigating-a-two-vehicle-fatal-collision-in-hardin-county/
https://www.wlky.com/article/another-i-65-north-crash-monday/70380960

This page provides public information only and is not legal advice. Viewing or using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.