Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision on the Cumberland Parkway in Russell County

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers were requested by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office to respond to a two-vehicle injury collision, just after 2:30 P.M. CDT yesterday afternoon, on the Cumberland Parkway in Russell County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Christopher Austin, 28, of Russell Springs, was traveling west on the Cumberland Parkway in a 2016 Kia Optima.  Mr. Austin left the roadway on the left shoulder and steered his vehicle back onto the roadway.  Upon traveling back on the roadway, Mr. Austin entered the path and collided with a 2020 Jeep Cherokee, operated by Maylon Brown, 60, of Russell Springs, also traveling west on the Cumberland Parkway. 

Maylon Brown was pronounced deceased at the hospital by the Russell County Coroner.  Christopher Austin refused medical treatment at the scene. 

Christopher Austin was arrested and charged with DUI 2nd offense, Vehicular Homicide When Under the Influence of Drugs, Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Reckless Driving.  Mr. Austin was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell County Fire and EMS, Russell County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Highway Department.  Senior Trooper Brandon Roark is investigating the collision.

Everyones Invited 

The following is a press release from the Russell County Coroner's Office...

A Russell Springs man has had charges filed against him following a fatal accident Monday on the Cumberland Parkway.

Christopher Austin, 28, was taken into custody by Trooper Roark with KSP just before 8 on Monday evening. Austin was charged with Vehicular Homicide when under the Influence of Drugs/Substance, Reckless Driving, Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Substance 2nd (aggravated circumstances) and Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (Meth).

He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

More details on the accident, as its released by State Police.

Mayor Hoots spoke with Wave News following the meeting...

Deputy Josh Durbin was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Adair County Sheriff's Office. Congratulations Sergeant Durbin!

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 28, 2026) - Team Kentucky is reminding Kentuckians to plan ahead, as all Driver Licensing Regional Offices will be closed on Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5 as the commonwealth launches a new and improved driver licensing system that will enhance the customer experience and expand online options. Offices will reopen Monday, June 8. Customers with licenses or IDs expiring in June are encouraged to visit an office early.

The new driver licensing system replaces Kentucky’s nearly 40-year-old platform and is part of continued efforts to modernize state services and improve the customer experience. The upgraded system will launch alongside myDrive, a new online driver services portal that allows Kentuckians to pre-apply for a license, permit or ID, request a card replacement, check their current license standing, and more.  

“We’re excited to roll out new services to better serve Kentuckians and modernize how we do business for decades to come,” said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “As with any new system, there will be an adjustment period for both our teams and customers, so we encourage anyone with upcoming licensing needs to visit an office before the temporary closure if possible.”

Kentuckians are encouraged to register for a myDrive account at mydrive.ky.gov once the portal becomes available on June 8. Even if Kentuckians do not have any immediate licensing needs, creating an account early can save time later, as account verification may require some users to request a secure verification code that will arrive by mail. Kentuckians who schedule a road or written test with the Kentucky State Police are encouraged to pre-apply for a license or permit on myDrive to save time on the day of their appointment and to arrive prepared.

The following temporary licensing services will take effect to aid with system migration:

• All Driver Licensing Regional Offices will close Thursday, June 4 - Friday, June 5.
• Offices will reopen on Monday, June 8. Walk-in hours will be 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. through June 18.
• Saturday office hours will be available May 30 from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Monthly Saturday hours will resume in July.
• The MyCDL portal to upload medical certificates will be discontinued starting June 3 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
• Online driver’s license renewal will be unavailable beginning Wednesday, June 3. Services will be restored on Monday, June 8 and still require a completed vision screening form.

Additional information about office hours, services and myDrive is available at drive.ky.gov.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources invites residents and visitors of all ages to take advantage of Kentucky’s “Free Fishing Weekend,” June 6-7, 2026.

This annual event allows everyone to enjoy fishing in waters across the commonwealth without purchasing a fishing license or permit. All other regulations, including size limits and the number of fish an individual is permitted to keep, still apply. Permission is always needed if fishing in private waters.

Communities all across Kentucky participate by offering fun special events for anglers, especially for youth. Check local listings or click on the Free Fishing Weekend webpage on the department’s website (fw.ky.gov) to find many known events.

For those new to fishing, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife provides plenty of resources to get started on a lifetime of fishing enjoyment:

• Get the basics: The Learn to Fish webpage provides basic information on gear, where to go fishing, suggested lures and tackle, catching and cleaning a fish and a number of instructional videos from knot tying to filleting fish. For those with more experience, visit the department’s main Fishing landing page for links to all fishing topics.
• Get equipped: Fishing poles can be purchased inexpensively at sporting goods and box stores, second-hand stores and yard sales. Fishing poles can also be borrowed for free at a number of locations across the state. Search for nearby locations on the Loaner Fishing Pole Locations map on the department’s website.
• Learn the rules: See the annual Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide, also in a Spanish language version, for a complete summary of all fishing regulations.
• Where to go: Visit the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) webpage for lists of easily accessible, specially stocked lakes. For a comprehensive list of fishing and boating access sites across Kentucky, check out the Waterbodies Search webpage.
• Get inside information: Peruse the annual fishing forecast and tips webpage for insider information on fish around the state.
• Find fish: Search the Lakes with Fish Attractors webpage for habitat maps at various lakes and download GPX files from there.
• Continue learning: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife hosts Hook and Cook classes in a number of communities throughout the year. Look for one- and two-day classes to improve or learn new skills.

For anglers on the go, download and use Kentucky’s Fish Boat KY app. The app helps users to find directions to local lakes, read fishing reports, learn about regulations, find stocking schedules, locate the nearest boat ramp and more. The app is available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.

The water is calling. Pack up the family on the first weekend of June and enjoy fishing in Kentucky – for free.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation officially recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Governor said his administration is working to fight discrimination and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Kentuckians. He was the first sitting Governor in Kentucky’s history to recognize June as Pride Month and has taken action to veto harmful and discriminatory legislation.

“I believe all children are children of God – no exceptions, no asterisks. I made a pledge to fight for every single Kentuckian, every single day. Our LGBTQ+ community deserves to have their rights protected, and I will always stand firm on my values of compassion, empathy and doing what’s right to protect them,” said Gov. Beshear. “To my LGBTQ+ neighbors: I see you and I support you. And in Kentucky, we’re going to keep building on the progress we’ve made to ensure every person is accepted and celebrated for who they are.”

Gov. Beshear’s Actions To Protect the Rights of LGBTQ+ Kentuckians
Gov. Beshear highlighted steps he’s taken: 

• In 2021, the Governor proclaimed June as Pride Month for the first time in the commonwealth.
• Gov. Beshear was the first sitting Governor in Kentucky’s history to participate in and speak at the annual Statewide Fairness Rally at the Capitol. He has attended every single Statewide Fairness Rally since taking office.
• In 2024, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order officially banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors in the state of Kentucky, citing that it “has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids.”
• In 2023, Gov. Beshear vetoed legislation banning access to gender-affirming healthcare and restricting bathroom access.
• In 2025, the Governor vetoed legislation that sought to overturn his executive order banning conversion therapy on minors and prevent Medicaid from covering gender-affirming healthcare.

While Gov. Beshear’s vetoes were overridden by the General Assembly, the efforts by him and his administration to protect Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ community have received national recognition. In 2025, Out Leadership recognized Kentucky as the state with the most significant improvement nationwide in the 2025 LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, which measures how welcoming states are for LGBTQ+ Americans to live, work and do business. The report cites Kentucky as one of a small number of states where sustained gubernatorial leadership has produced measurable, year-over-year improvement.

In 2026, Gov. Beshear was honored with the National Allyship Award from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

“Kentucky – and all of America – cannot possibly reach its full potential unless our people feel supported to be themselves,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s my belief that it’s our job to lift everyone up and not tear anyone down. I'll never let political games stop me from standing up for my neighbors.”

R.S. Mayor Eddie Thomas discussed with WAVE NEWS a gas spill that occured a couple of years ago that the State continues to investigate at JAX's Convenience Store in Russell Springs...