Truck Driver Charged After Deadly U-Turn Crash in Kentucky

Gerasimos Livieratos faces multiple counts including homicide and DUI after collision kills 33-year-old Bernice Franklin.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 36-year-old truck driver has been arrested and charged with reckless driving, failure to signal, improper turning, drug possession, DUI, and vehicular homicide after his attempt to make a U-turn in foggy conditions on a Kentucky highway resulted in a fatal collision with a northbound sedan, killing the other driver.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, especially in poor weather conditions, and the devastating consequences that can occur when commercial vehicle operators fail to exercise proper caution on the roads.

The details

According to police, on March 7th around 6 PM, Gerasimos Livieratos was driving his truck southbound on Fort Campbell Boulevard in Madisonville, Kentucky when he attempted a U-turn in heavy fog, blocking lanes of travel. This caused a northbound sedan driven by 33-year-old Bernice Franklin to crash into the trailer, resulting in Franklin's death at the scene. Livieratos was arrested and charged with a range of offenses including reckless driving, drug possession, and vehicular homicide while under the influence.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 7th around 6 PM.
  • Livieratos was arrested following the crash.

The players

Gerasimos Livieratos

A 36-year-old truck driver who attempted an illegal and dangerous U-turn in foggy conditions, leading to a fatal collision.

Bernice Franklin

A 33-year-old driver of the northbound sedan who was killed when her vehicle crashed into Livieratos' truck.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Livieratos was arrested and charged with reckless driving, failure to or improper signal, improper turning, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance (1st offense, aggravated circumstance), and vehicular homicide when under the influence of drugs/substance. Mr. Livieratos was lodged in the Christian County Jail.”

— Kentucky State Police (cdllife.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safe and sober driving, especially for commercial vehicle operators who have a heightened responsibility to protect public safety on the roads.