Basic Facts

Crash date: August 14, 2026

Crash location: Interstate 65 near mile marker 112 south of Shepherdsville, KY

People involved:

  • Shawn Franklin, 43
  • Unidentified tow truck driver

Do authorities suspect alcohol played a role in this crash? Unknown

Did authorities recommend criminal charges? Yes

Do authorities suspect a product defect caused the crash? Unknown

Accident Report

Bullitt County, KY — August 14, 2026, Shawn Franklin was killed in a tow truck accident just before midnight on Interstate 65 south of Shepherdsville.

Authorities said a tow truck towing a bobtail semi-truck was attempting a U-turn across all three northbound lanes on I-65 when it crashed into another vehicle near mile marker 112.

The driver of the other vehicle, 43-year-old North Carolina resident Shawn Franklin, died after being transported to a Louisville hospital, according to authorities.

The tow truck driver fled after the collision, authorities said. He is expected to face criminal charges related to crash.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Bullitt County crash at this time.

How Did This Accident Occur?

A U-turn is an inherently risky move, especially for a commercial vehicle. That is why many trucking companies prohibit such maneuvers.

As authorities search for the tow truck driver and work to reconstruct this accident, they also should look at the driver’s employer. Was he properly trained? Did he have a history of risky moves behind the wheel? Does the company have a clear policy about making U-turns?

Answering questions like this should help investigators provide the other driver’s family with a clear picture of what happened on I-65.

Did you witness this crash? Let me know what you saw in the comment section.

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