The wrecked motorcycle operated by Bradley Asberry where it came to rest after the wreck. (Photo courtesy WJRS-104.9)

In Feb. 14-20 issue
By Derek Aaron
Times Journal Reporter

ELI - A Russell County man was killed Sunday afternoon when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed in the Eli community, according to information from the Kentucky State Police.

Bradley L. Asberry, 21, of Russell Springs was eastbound on Veb Smith Rd., 8 ½ miles east of Russell Springs when he was thrown from a 2000 Kawasaki motorcycle around 3:50 p.m., according to KSP Sgt. David Ray Gibbs.

Russell County Coroner Larry Skaggs pronounced Asberry dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the wreck, state police said.

Including the deadly wreck in Russell County, state statistics show that 12 people died in 12 separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, Feb. 4 through last Sunday.

Eleven of the fatalities were traveling in vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts while the seat belt status of one victim is not known.

Two of the fatalities resulted from crashes involving alcohol, state police say.

Single fatality crashes occurred in Boone, Christian, Clark, Clinton, Green, Hickman, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Pulaski and Russell counties.

Through Feb. 10, state police statistics show that 72 people have died on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is five less than reported for this time period in 2007.

Of the 61 vehicle fatalities, 44 victims were not wearing seat belts while there have been four motorcycle deaths and two of those were not wearing helmets.

A total of 17 deaths have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Seven deaths have been pedestrians.

State police say citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the KSP at 800-222-5555.

Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.