Two Bean Station Men Arrested In Kentucky After Fatal Accident

A Bean Station man is in one of two Tennessee men facing charges regarding a fatal traffic accident in Kentucky. The accident happened Sunday near Columbia, Kentucky in Adair County, which is about 140 miles northwest of Knoxville. According to Kentucky State Police, a Ford F150 pickup being driven by 46 year-old Joel Hammack, of Crossville, TN was driving at a high rate of speed and rear-ended a Kia Sorento being driven by 32 year-old Townya Ritzie of Columbia, KY.

The impact sent the Kia off the roadway, where it then overturned, killing a seven year old child. Two others in the Kia were injured, Joe Hammack is being charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, 4th offense or grater DUI, first-degree assault and three counts of second-degree assault.

In the truck with Hammack was 45 year-old Walter Nichols, of Bean Station. Nichols faces numerous charges as well including a Third degree assault on first responders, terrorist threatening, and disorderly conduct after he became unruly with first responders who were trying to treat the injured. Both Hammack and Nichols are being held in the Adair County Kentucky jail.