Knott Co. woman killed in collision

HAZARD, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky State Police say that a Knott County woman has died after a traffic collision early Monday morning.

Troopers say they were called to Highway 80 near the Emmalena community at around 6:30 p.m. about a wreck that left one vehicle overturned.

Police say their initial investigation determined that a pickup truck driven by 41-year-old Violet Ritchie was going westbound on KY 80 when she collided with a Ford Ranger, also headed westbound.

Officers say Ritchie’s truck slid across the eastbound lanes and then overturned on Montgomery Creek Road, throwing Ritchie from the truck.

The Ford Ranger received minor damage, and no one in the vehicle was injured.

Ritchie was taken to Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital, and then later airlifted to Pikeville Medical Center.  Troopers say she died there Tuesday evening.  A passenger in her truck refused treatment at the scene.

Toxicology results are pending for both drivers, but no criminal charges are pending at this time.  Investigators say no autopsy will be performed.