Arrest made in fatal Ballard County hit-and-run

Kentucky State Police have made an arrest in a fatal hit-and-run that took place in Ballard County on Tuesday night.

Troopers said that with the help of citizens and work from Ballard County Sheriff's deputies, they identifid the alleged run vehicle and its driver, 21-year-old Elijah Cook of LaCenter. Cook is believed to have collided with an SUV while both were headed eastbound on US 60.

Ballard County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash on US 60 near KY 310. An SUV, driven by 55-year-old Robbin McPhail of Fair Grove, Missouri, was struck in the rear by the vehicle driven by Cook. Cook reportedly fled the scene eastbound on US 60 before law enforcement arrived.

The crash is said to have sent McPhail's SUV into a guardrail on the north side of the road before it careened off the south side, where it hit a tree. McPhail was taken to a hospital, where she was treated and released. A passenger in her vehicle, 72-year-old Deborah Martin, also of Fair Grove, Missouri, was seriously injured and taken to the hospital, as well. Martin later succumbed to her injuries. 

Cook was arrested and charged with 2nd degree manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, tampering with physical evidence, and failure to maintain insurance. Cook was booked into the Ballard County Jail.