15-year-old identified as victim of deadly DUI crash in Hardin County

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A 15-year-old boy was identified Monday as the victim of a deadly DUI crash in Hardin County.

Kentucky State Police said troopers received a report of a single-vehicle crash in the 860 block of Bewley Hollow Road just before 9 p.m. Saturday. KSP said the vehicle overturned and was partially submerged in a flooded creek.

Troopers with KSP, deputies with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Hardin County Emergency Management responded to the scene to rescue those trapped inside the vehicle. KSP said heavy rain and widespread flooding were affecting the area at the time of the crash.

According to KSP, 44-year-old David Rhodes, of Elizabethtown, lost control of a 2005 Ford Mustang while traveling on Bewley Hollow Road. The Mustang overturned and entered the flooded creek, trapping Rhodes and two juvenile passengers inside.

KSP said first responders rescued all three from the vehicle and began lifesaving measures.

Rhodes and the two juveniles were taken to Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown. Rhodes and one of the juveniles were treated for minor injuries and released.

The other juvenile passenger had life-threatening injuries and was transferred to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, where he was pronounced dead Sunday.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Ethan Rhodes.

Investigators determined David Rhodes was under the influence of alcohol, according to KSP.

He was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and first-degree assault. KSP said additional charges are expected.

David Rhodes is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning.