Sixth Grade Basketball Coach Killed in Kentucky Car Crash

21-year-old Mason May died in a head-on collision on Highway 49 in Marion County.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield or broken headlight lens, capturing the dramatic, gritty aftermath of a fatal collision that took the life of a community member.The aftermath of a fatal car accident that claimed the life of a beloved young basketball coach exposes the harsh realities of road safety in rural Kentucky.Lebanon Today

A 21-year-old sixth grade basketball coach named Mason May was killed in a fatal car accident on Kentucky Highway 49 in Marion County on Friday evening. According to Kentucky State Police, May was driving a 2011 Honda Civic northbound when a 35-year-old man in a Ford F-150 attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-pass zone and collided head-on with May's car. May was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of a young coach who was making a positive impact on the lives of his student-athletes has deeply affected the Lebanon community. The accident also raises broader questions about road safety and driver behavior, especially in rural areas with winding roads and limited passing zones.

The details

Kentucky State Police responded to the two-vehicle crash around 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The 35-year-old driver of the Ford F-150 was traveling southbound on KY 49 when he attempted an illegal pass, colliding head-on with May's northbound Honda Civic. May was pronounced dead at the scene by the Marion County Coroner's Office.

  • The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2026.
  • May was pronounced dead at the scene by the Marion County Coroner's Office.

The players

Mason May

A 21-year-old sixth grade basketball coach at Saint Augustine School in Lebanon, Kentucky.

35-year-old man from Bradfordsville

The driver of the Ford F-150 who attempted to illegally pass another vehicle, resulting in the head-on collision.

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What they’re saying

“It is with a heavy heart to hear the passing of our 6th grade basketball coach, Mason May. He put his heart and soul into coaching. He made such a difference in the lives of our St. A boys in his short time here. We are praying for our students and his family in this difficult time.”

— Saint Augustine School

What’s next

The collision remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police.

The takeaway

This tragic accident has devastated the Lebanon community, highlighting the importance of safe driving practices, especially in rural areas with challenging road conditions. The loss of a young coach who was making a positive impact on his student-athletes is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life.