1 man in custody after fatal wrong-way crash on I-65 near the Watterson Expressway

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Police say one man is in custody after a crash on I-65 southbound near the Watterson Expressway killed one person Sunday afternoon.

According to Dwight Mitchell, a spokesman for the Louisville Metro Police Department, that man has been identified as Thomas Catalina.

Witnesses told police that a pickup truck was driving northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic on I-65 Sunday afternoon when it hit "several vehicles."

Mitchell said the pickup truck, which was driven by Catalina, burst into flames during the crash.

Police say an individual who was in one of the vehicles hit was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, that man has been identified as 26-year-old Rajnu H. Masoud of Bowling Green.

Friends say Masoud moved to Bowling Green from Tanzania within the past four to five years with his wife and children. He came to America to find a better future for his family.

If someone was new to Bowling Green's refugee and immigrant community, William Mkanta says you could count on Masoud to be a friend.

"He was outgoing and very quick to jump in and help others," Mkanta said.

Mkanta and his wife became close with Masoud, who quickly became a mentor to kids, and helped guide parents in their success.

"A place where many things you have to learn how to navigate, whether it's the health system, education system, and many other systems," Masoud said.

During the pandemic, an official with the Community Partnership for Refugee and Immigrant Families says Masoud helped translate COVID-testing and immunization documents. Within the community, he led several other boots-on-the-ground initiatives to help others.

Mkanta says Masoud made sure new arrivals to America, didn't stay strangers for long.

"Show him we are here, let's help each other as brothers, and even though you came here without a relative, I'm here now, I'm your brother. And I'm a person who can support you," Mkanta said.

A man who was not a Kentuckian by birth, but whose impact won't be forgotten in the Bluegrass.

Mkanta says there was a GoFundMe page created to help Masoud's family in the aftermath of his death. They're raising money to pay to transport his body back to Bowling Green for a burial. A portion will also go to his wife and five children.

Three other patients, including Catalina, were rushed to University of Louisville Hospital with injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

LMPD's Traffic Unit is investigating the crash.

As of this time, Catalina remains in the hospital with an ankle injury, according to Mitchell. Mitchell said he will be charged with Murder, DUI, Wanton Endangerment, Assault and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance.