LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The family of 30-year-old Bradly Stobbs said he died after being hit by a pick-up truck and two other vehicles on Interstate 65 near the Arthur Street exit in Louisville. 

When Stobbs was hit, he was in the middle of the interstate, right next to the barrier wall in the southbound lanes. This section of interstate is dark. The lights have not worked in weeks. It is so dark that Stobbs wasn't found for nearly eight hours. 

“I called 911 and I like apologized because I was like I don't want to waste your time, but I think there is a body in the road,” Rebecca Loeffelman, who called 911 at 1:36 a.m. Monday. 

Loeffelman spent three minutes trying to convince the emergency operator and herself there was a body in the middle of the interstate. According to an audio recording obtain by WDRB, Louisville Metro Police officers were dispatched to the area, “at 65 southbound at Arthur, the complainant thinks she saw a body laying on the highway on the right.” 

Officers were sent, and according to LMPD, they didn't find anything until 9:15 a.m., almost eight hours later.  

The family of 30 year old Bradly Stobbs say he died after being hit by a pick-up truck and two other vehicles on Interstate 65 near the Arthur street exit in Louisville.

His family said Stobbs graduated from high school and lived with his mother for a short time, before he left for life on the street. His dad and stepmother put a collage of pictures together for his funeral.

Although his family declined to talk on camera, they told WDRB that Stobbs had been unhoused and suffering from mental health and substance abuse problems for many years. They were not told of his death until early Tuesday afternoon. He had been hit several times and his father told WDRB the coroner had a difficult time identifying him.  

LMPD said no one has been arrested, and the traffic unit continues to investigate. LMPD hasn't commented on if officers missed seeing a body in the road. Loeffelman says she was extremely specific on the location. 

“But I was like, it is in the middle of the lane on the highway, told her where it was, it is right in front of the Harley-Davidson but on the highway,” said Loeffelman.  

There are no working interstate lights in the section of interstate where Stobbs was hit, and it is hard to see once the sun goes down. WDRB’s Richard Essex emailed KYTC Tuesday and they finally got back to us two days after our request and after the story aired. 

KYTC comment:

The pedestrian fatality on I-65 South near Arthur Street in Louisville is tragic and our hearts go out to the loved ones of the individual lost. Team Kentucky remains committed to prioritizing safety for all roadway users. We integrate innovative roadway designs, safety features and public education campaigns for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The Transportation Cabinet also reminds the public that interstate pedestrian and bicycle travel is prohibited. Roadway lighting system repairs will occur in multiple locations along I-65, I-264, I-64 and elsewhere based on the cause and complexity of the repairs. With limited funding available, we are focused on maintaining lighting systems, where possible, until a solution can be found to combat the continual theft of copper wire. Light placement on interstates and ramps is designed to enhance safety and visibility for motorists, and supplement vehicle headlights.

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