UHA student critical after car wreck
By Kat Russell, Photojournalist
Kentucky New Era
June 12, 2014
http://www.kentuckynewera.com/news/article_5dd36da8-f1cd-11e3-8907-001a4bcf887a.html
A University Heights Academy graduate is in critical condition at University of Louisville Hospital after his car hydroplaned, hit another vehicle and was then struck by a dump truck Wednesday morning in Nelson County.
Alex Keys, 18, who graduated May 23, was driving from Louisville to Frankfort on the Bluegrass Parkway when he lost control of his vehicle. Keys crossed the median and collided with a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The two vehicles were then struck by a dump truck loaded with gravel, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputy Dennis Wells said a heavy rain was moving through the area at the time of the wreck.
Keys was taken to Hardin Memorial Hosptial where he was stabilized and then transferred to University of Louisville. The driver of the dump truck, Jeremy Lyons, 36, Elizabethtown, also was taken to Hardin Memorial with possible leg injuries. The driver of the Malibu, Mary Graves, 68, Springfield, suffered possible injuries to her arm.
Keys has since undergone two surgeries, including having his spleen removed. He may also have a broken leg.
“Right now it’s just a waiting game to be sure that there’s no brain trauma,” said Pam Nunn, head of school at UHA.
At the school Wednesday afternoon, staff, students and people from the community gathered for an impromptu prayer vigil for Keys and his family.
After the vigil, people stayed and signed a get well banner that will be taken to him in Louisville. Donations were also accepted to help Keys' family cover the cost of their stay in the city.
Described as an exceptional student, Keys graduated cum laude from UHA. He also received several awards during the commencement. He made honor roll as a freshman and stayed on it up until his graduation. He plans to go to University of Kentucky in the fall.
“He was outstanding academically,” Nunn said of her former student. “He was a role model for the other students.”
“Very inquisitive, very worldly in his education — he really knew what was going on in the world – and very interested in politics,” UHA teacher Anne Noel said.
“You could ask him about anything that is going on in the world, and he would know,” Nunn added.
Keys was also one of 44 UHA students to go to Washington D.C., last year during a senior class trip. They witnessed the 50th anniversary celebration of the civil rights March on Washington.
Keys described that day as being an incredible experience that motivated him to further pursue his love of politics.
The women also said that Keys is a very enterprising young man who has worked with local politicians, including Whitney Westerfield, Carter Hendricks and Foster Cotthoff to design their websites.
“This has just been such a traumatic day for us,” Nunn said. “We just want to know that he’s going to recover and be OK.”
Reach Kat Russell at 270-887-3241 or krussell@kentuckynewera.com.
Alex Keys, 18, who graduated May 23, was driving from Louisville to Frankfort on the Bluegrass Parkway when he lost control of his vehicle. Keys crossed the median and collided with a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The two vehicles were then struck by a dump truck loaded with gravel, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputy Dennis Wells said a heavy rain was moving through the area at the time of the wreck.
Keys was taken to Hardin Memorial Hosptial where he was stabilized and then transferred to University of Louisville. The driver of the dump truck, Jeremy Lyons, 36, Elizabethtown, also was taken to Hardin Memorial with possible leg injuries. The driver of the Malibu, Mary Graves, 68, Springfield, suffered possible injuries to her arm.
Keys has since undergone two surgeries, including having his spleen removed. He may also have a broken leg.
“Right now it’s just a waiting game to be sure that there’s no brain trauma,” said Pam Nunn, head of school at UHA.
At the school Wednesday afternoon, staff, students and people from the community gathered for an impromptu prayer vigil for Keys and his family.
After the vigil, people stayed and signed a get well banner that will be taken to him in Louisville. Donations were also accepted to help Keys' family cover the cost of their stay in the city.
Described as an exceptional student, Keys graduated cum laude from UHA. He also received several awards during the commencement. He made honor roll as a freshman and stayed on it up until his graduation. He plans to go to University of Kentucky in the fall.
“He was outstanding academically,” Nunn said of her former student. “He was a role model for the other students.”
“Very inquisitive, very worldly in his education — he really knew what was going on in the world – and very interested in politics,” UHA teacher Anne Noel said.
“You could ask him about anything that is going on in the world, and he would know,” Nunn added.
Keys was also one of 44 UHA students to go to Washington D.C., last year during a senior class trip. They witnessed the 50th anniversary celebration of the civil rights March on Washington.
Keys described that day as being an incredible experience that motivated him to further pursue his love of politics.
The women also said that Keys is a very enterprising young man who has worked with local politicians, including Whitney Westerfield, Carter Hendricks and Foster Cotthoff to design their websites.
“This has just been such a traumatic day for us,” Nunn said. “We just want to know that he’s going to recover and be OK.”
Reach Kat Russell at 270-887-3241 or krussell@kentuckynewera.com.
