Elizabethtown father now charged with vehicular homicide in crash that killed teenage son

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Hardin County man accused of driving drunk during a crash that killed his 15-year-old son is now facing a homicide charge.

Court records show 44-year-old David Rhodes, of Elizabethtown, was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol. He was initially arrested on charges of DUI and first-degree assault after the June 27 crash.

According to Kentucky State Police, Rhodes lost control of the car while driving on Bewley Hollow Road as heavy rain and flooding swept through the area. The vehicle overturned and landed in a flooded creek, trapping everyone inside.

First responders rescued Rhodes and two juvenile passengers from the submerged vehicle.

One of those passengers — Rhodes' 15-year-old son, Ethan Rhodes — was taken to Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville, where he later died from his injuries.

Rhodes was treated for minor injuries and released. Another child in the vehicle suffered a head injury, but officials haven't provided an update on the child's condition.

Investigators said Rhodes was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. KSP previously said additional charges were expected as the investigation continued.