Burlington, KY – November 17, 2025 – The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal vehicle collision that occurred just before 1 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025. The crash involved two large dump trucks and a pickup truck, resulting in one death and a major emergency response at the intersection of US Highway 42 and Blue Yacht Lane in Burlington.
What happened
At approximately 12:58 p.m., the Boone County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a serious multi-vehicle collision involving a possible entrapment. Deputies immediately responded to the scene and the Boone County Coroner along with the Accident Reconstruction Unit were also deployed to assist in the investigation.
Preliminary findings show the crash began when a 2019 Kenworth dump truck, traveling northbound on US 42, collided with the right rear passenger side of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado had slowed and was attempting to stop when the dump truck struck it, despite efforts to apply the brakes and avoid the collision.
The force of the impact caused the Silverado to drift into the oncoming traffic lane, where it was struck by a southbound 2026 Western Star dump truck. Both the dump trucks were completely loaded, making the collision severe.
identification of the victim
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, 75-year-old Herman Lewis Estes Jr. of Covington, Kentucky, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that his family has been notified of the loss.
Fortunately, there were no other occupants in any of the vehicles. Dash cam footage from both dump trucks is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Other drivers involved
One of the dump truck drivers was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Florence for medical evaluation, while the other driver refused treatment at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
Road closure and investigation
Due to the severity of the crash and the need for a thorough investigation, US Highway 42 is closed at the intersection of Blue Yacht Lane. Drivers in the area are being advised to take alternative routes while officials continue their work to reconstruct the crash and clean up the site.
closure
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office indicated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Preliminary findings indicate that the collision was caused by a combination of several factors, including the fully loaded dump truck and the fatal impact on the Silverado driver.
This story may be updated with more details as the investigation continues.
