The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says a deputy responded at around 9:30 a.m. Thursday to a report of vehicle tracks at the Clarks River Bridge leading from I-24 onto the eastbound shoulder. The roadway was partially blocked for about three hours while the scene was investigated.
The deputy discovered the tracks led into a wooded area and down a large overgrown embankment, where he found A 2010 GMC Acadia on its side near the banks of the Clarks River. The deputy then discovered the body of 64-year-old Joe T. Ford of Paducah.
Deputies say the investigation revealed Ford's vehicle veered off of the interstate onto the shoulder and down a large embankment, overturned and struck several trees. The vehicle was not visible from the interstate.
Ford had been reported missing on Tuesday by his family, and had not been seen or heard from since. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday at the State Medical Examiner’s office.
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