Louisville leaders discuss road safety, tougher hit-and-run penalties after deadly crash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WAVE) — Local leaders and the family of a Louisville man killed in a hit-and-run three months ago gathered Friday to discuss road safety improvements and proposed changes to Kentucky's hit-and-run laws.

Metro Councilman Jeff Hudson and the family of 27-year-old Adam Troutman gathered at Metro Hall Friday morning to talk about two changes they hope come out of the case: better safety along Vaughn Mill Road and tougher penalties for drivers who leave the scene of a crash.

Troutman was walking along Vaughn Mill Road in Highview around 11 p.m. April 16 when police said he was hit from behind by an SUV traveling in the same direction. Investigators said the stretch of road was dark and unlit, and the impact knocked Troutman into a ditch. He died at the scene.

Adam Troutman - 4.19.26 — Adam Troutman, 27, of Louisville, was found dead in a ditch along Vaughn Mill Road in Hillview on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and his family is seeking any information about what happened. *(Photo courtesy of family)*

Police said the driver never stopped to check on Troutman or call for help.

During Friday's news conference, Hudson said the city budget includes funding to build a sidewalk and add lighting along Vaughn Mill Road.

Kentucky Rep. Susan Tyler Witten also believes that along with addressing safety concerns to prevent these kinds of accidents, the state should be looking at legislation that would increase penalties for the drivers themselves.

"Hit-and-runs do matter. But accountability matters too," Witten said. "Fleeing the scene of an accident, especially when someone has been hurt or killed, is not a mistake. It's a choice."

30-year-old Aldwin Jackson was arrested in connection with the crash earlier this month. Court records said Jackson had the windshield and broken headlight on his car repaired before police recovered it, allegedly in an effort to hide the damage.