LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A four-vehicle crash on the Bluegrass Parkway over the weekend left three people dead, including 30-year-old Shirley “Tori” Fuqua, of Hardin County, Kentucky.
The crash, between Elizabethtown and Boston, has reignited calls for improved safety measures along the busy stretch of road, with frequent drivers voicing concerns about its dangers.
A heartbreaking loss
For Theresa Landreth, Saturday's crash marked the loss of her firstborn daughter, Tori. Fighting back tears, she shared memories of her daughter’s vibrant personality.
Shirley “Tori” Fuqua was one of three people who died in a four-vehicle crash on the Bluegrass Parkway in Hardin County, Kentucky, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Family photo)
“She was a beautiful soul. She was a mom of two. She's married. She loved to fish, she loved tattoos, she loved her family,” Landreth said.
Tori leaves behind two young children, and her family is grappling with the difficult task of helping them understand the loss.
“Doing a lot of praying and telling them that their mom's with God and Jesus and that it’s gonna be OK,” Landreth said. “They’re very loved, and their mommy, she's gonna miss them and loved them a bunch and she's gonna watch over them.”
The Hardin County Sheriff's Office reported that Fuqua’s car collided with another vehicle in the eastbound lanes before losing control and becoming airborne. The car then crossed into the westbound lanes, striking another vehicle. That car subsequently hit a fourth vehicle.
Leslie and William Parson of Bowling Green were also killed in the crash. Other individuals involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Calls for action
The tragedy has renewed the push for safety improvements on the Bluegrass Parkway, particularly the installation of barriers to prevent vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic.
“There’s just been an abundant and seemingly ever-increasing amount of crossover accidents on that stretch of road,” said Sean Hall, a daily commuter.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet confirmed it will review the crash report and assess whether improvements are needed. Funding is available for safety upgrades across the state, though it remains unclear if this portion of the parkway will see changes.
In a statement, the agency said "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those lost in the weekend crash on the Bluegrass Parkway. Law enforcement officials will investigate the incident and the Transportation Cabinet will review the details of the crash report to identify the factors and explore if any infrastructure improvements are needed."
A message for the season
As the holidays approach, Landreth is urging others to cherish their loved ones.
“With it being Christmas time, you need to love your family 'cause you never know when it’s gonna be your last time you get to talk to them, and just hold your loved ones close,” she said.
The community joins the grieving families in calling for measures to prevent further tragedies on Kentucky’s roads.
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- 3 dead after multi-vehicle crash in Hardin County, police say
- Daughter pleads for caution after father killed crossing Louisville road
- 2 pedestrians killed on Louisville roads over the weekend highlight safety concerns
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