A 74-year-old man was killed Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision involving a moped in Laurel County, Kentucky, according to Kentucky State Police (KSP). The victim, identified as Ronald Begley of London, Kentucky, died after his moped crashed into the rear of a Chevrolet Trax along the 900 block of North Laurel Road.
The crash occurred around 1:00 p.m., prompting a response from troopers with KSP Post 11 in London. Preliminary investigations indicate that both the moped and the Chevy Trax were traveling north when the Trax began slowing down to make a left turn. Begley, who was riding the moped behind the SUV, failed to stop in time and struck the vehicle from behind.
Begley was critically injured in the collision. When troopers arrived at the scene, they found him lying on the roadway. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but despite medical efforts, he was later pronounced dead by the Laurel County Coroner. The driver of the Chevy Trax was unharmed, and no other injuries were reported.
Authorities stated that there is no evidence at this time suggesting that drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Based on initial findings, the collision appears to have resulted from a failure to maintain a safe stopping distance. The crash underscores the dangers that moped riders face on busy roads, particularly when trailing larger vehicles.
Following the crash, traffic along North Laurel Road was temporarily disrupted while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and investigators collected evidence. The Kentucky State Police have not announced whether any citations or charges will be filed, but the investigation remains active. Officials are asking any witnesses to come forward to aid in determining the full circumstances of the incident.
The Laurel County community is mourning the loss of Ronald Begley, who was remembered by neighbors as a longtime local resident. As the investigation continues, authorities are reminding all drivers to stay alert, especially when sharing the road with smaller, more vulnerable vehicles. The tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of defensive driving and road safety awareness for all motorists.
