According to Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman, Adair County 911 received a call at 10:14 a.m. on Monday morning of a female who had turned a forklift over on Scott Dial Road just outside city limits off KY55 north. Upon arrival, it was found that the operator was pinned under the commercial  forklift.  
 
The preliminary investigation by the ACSO shows that 56-year-old Charlene Oakes Cowan, the owner of Local Pallet Wholesale was loading a tractor trailer with pallets when she dropped off in a hole while backing up. The forklift started to turn over and Cowan attempted to jump off but was unable to get herself free. The forklift struck Cowan, pinning her underneath.

First responders and bystanders from nearby businesses worked to free Cowan from the forklift and EMS provided care. Attempts to secure air medical flight from the scene were unsuccessful due to the weather and Cowan was rushed to the TJ Health Columbia Emergency Room. At 11:38 a.m. on Monday, April 25th, 2022 Charlene Cowan was pronounced deceased and Adair County Coroner Todd Akin was notified.

The Adair County Sheriffs Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of the Cowan family as they deal with the loss of their loved one.
 
The Adair County Sheriffs Office, Adair EMS, the Columbia-Adair County Fire Dept. and the Breeding Fire Dept. all responded to the scene.