A devastating single-vehicle accident in McCreary County has left the community mourning the loss of two Parkers Lake residents. The collision, which occurred on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at approximately 12:51 p.m. along U.S. Highway 27 in the Stearns community, claimed the lives of Pearl Goodin, age 68, and James Goodin, age 73. The couple was traveling southbound in a Toyota 4Runner when the vehicle veered off the roadway, resulting in a catastrophic rollover.

**Crash Timeline and Investigation
According to the preliminary investigation by the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London, led by Trooper Shane Bowling, the Toyota 4Runner was traveling south on U.S. Highway 27 when it exited the roadway onto the right-hand (southbound) shoulder and struck a guardrail. In an apparent attempt to correct the vehicle’s path, the driver, Pearl Goodin, overcorrected, causing the SUV to roll over multiple times. Neither Pearl nor her passenger, James Goodin, was wearing a seatbelt, and both were ejected from the vehicle during the violent crash.

**Immediate Response and Fatal Outcome
First responders, including McCreary County EMS, the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office, and the North McCreary County Fire Department, arrived swiftly at the scene. Despite their efforts, Pearl Goodin was pronounced deceased at the scene by the McCreary County Coroner’s Office. James Goodin was transported to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital by McCreary County EMS, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

**Toxicology and Contributing Factors
The Kentucky State Police have stated that drugs or alcohol are not suspected to have contributed to the crash. However, standard toxicology tests are pending for both occupants as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have highlighted that the failure to wear seatbelts significantly contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident.

**Multi-Agency Response
The response to this tragic incident involved a coordinated effort from multiple agencies, including:

– Kentucky State Police Post 11 – London
– McCreary County EMS
– McCreary County Coroner’s Office
– McCreary County Sheriff’s Office
– North McCreary County Fire Department

Trooper Shane Bowling continues to lead the investigation, working to determine the precise factors that caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. Authorities are examining potential contributing elements, such as road conditions, mechanical issues, or health-related factors.

**Remembering Pearl and James Goodin
Pearl and James Goodin were beloved members of the Parkers Lake community, remembered by neighbors and friends as a devoted and kind-hearted couple. The McCreary County community is reeling from their sudden loss, with tributes beginning to emerge as residents reflect on the couple’s impact. While no official obituary has been released, the outpouring of grief underscores the deep sense of loss felt throughout the region.

**A Sobering Reminder on Road Safety
This tragic crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. The Kentucky State Police emphasize the following lessons for drivers and passengers:

– **Always wear a seatbelt**, no matter the length of the journey, as it is the most effective way to prevent ejection and reduce injury severity in crashes.
– **Stay vigilant**, especially on rural roads like U.S. Highway 27, where narrow shoulders and changing terrain can pose challenges.
– **Avoid overcorrecting** when a vehicle veers off course, as this can lead to rollovers, particularly at high speeds.

**What’s Next
The investigation remains ongoing, with Kentucky State Police working to reconstruct the accident and identify any additional factors that may have contributed to the crash. Authorities will release further details as they become available, including any findings related to the vehicle’s condition, road environment, or the driver’s health. Next of kin have been notified, and the community awaits information regarding memorial services for Pearl and James Goodin.

This tragedy underscores the fragility of life and the critical need for safe driving practices to prevent future losses on Kentucky’s roadways.