Tragic Crash in Graves County Leaves One Dead, Another Critically Injured on KY 408 West
A tragic crash in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, has devastated the community of Graves County, Kentucky. Emergency personnel responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash shortly before 6 a.m. on KY 408 West, where they discovered a harrowing scene that has since left one person dead and another clinging to life.
According to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, the crash involved a vehicle carrying two individuals when it veered off the roadway under still-undetermined circumstances. When first responders arrived, they found the driver, 30-year-old Sherrod Shelton of Mayfield, lying in the middle of the roadway with critical injuries. Officials believe Shelton may have been ejected from the vehicle due to the force of the crash.
Shelton was airlifted by medical helicopter to an out-of-state trauma center, where he remains in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have not released further updates on his status but described his injuries as life-threatening.
Tragically, the passenger in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The impact of the crash left the vehicle badly mangled, and investigators are still working to determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal wreck.
Deputies say that weather conditions at the time were clear, and there were no immediate signs of mechanical failure. Toxicology reports are pending as part of the standard investigative process, and authorities are continuing to explore whether speed, impairment, or distraction may have played a role.
The crash prompted a temporary closure of KY 408 West as officials from the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and local fire and EMS teams worked the scene. Reconstruction teams spent several hours collecting evidence and mapping the area to understand how the vehicle lost control.
Family, friends, and community members have already begun expressing their sorrow over the tragedy. Social media has been flooded with messages of support and prayers for Sherrod Shelton and mourning for the unnamed passenger whose life was so suddenly cut short.
Graves County Judge-Executive Jesse Perry released a brief statement: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families impacted by this heartbreaking crash. We ask the community to keep them in your prayers as they navigate the difficult days ahead.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with information about the crash to contact the Graves County Sheriff’s Office.
As the community grieves and holds out hope for Shelton’s recovery, this tragic event serves as another somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance on the road.