Kentucky State Police Pikeville Post received a call on April 21, 2024, at 5:38 a.m. reporting a UTV collision had occurred on Upper Johns Creek Road in the Kimper community of Pike County. Troopers from Post 9 responded and began the investigation.
The initial investigation indicated a Polaris UTV exited the roadway, traveled over an embankment, and struck a tree. Michael Hardin, 34 years old of Kimper, was pronounced deceased on scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office. Kyle Hardin, 38 years old of Phelps, was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The investigation is ongoing by KSP Accident Reconstructionist, Detective Jason Merlo.
Detective Merlo was assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police Post 9 personnel, Kimper Volunteer Fire Department, and Lifeguard Ambulance Service.