Edwin A. Caraballo Burgos, 64, of Middletown, Ohio, Identified as Victim in Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash on Black Creek Road in Powell County, Kentucky—Investigation by Kentucky State Police Ongoing

Powell County, KY — A tragic and deeply saddening motor vehicle accident in the rural stretches of Powell County, Kentucky has taken the life of Edwin A. Caraballo Burgos, a 64-year-old man from Middletown, Ohio. The devastating crash occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, prompting an emergency response and an ongoing investigation led by the Kentucky State Police (KSP). The incident has left a community in mourning and raised questions about the circumstances that led to this fatal single-vehicle crash in the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky.

According to preliminary information provided by officials with the Kentucky State Police Post 8, the accident took place on Black Creek Road, a narrow and winding roadway that cuts through the wooded hills and valleys characteristic of Powell County’s remote landscapes. At approximately 3:45 p.m., local authorities received a call reporting that a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed. Emergency responders, including local sheriff’s deputies, Powell County EMS, and Kentucky State Police troopers, were dispatched to the scene immediately.

When first responders arrived, they discovered a severely damaged vehicle off the roadway, reportedly having struck a tree after exiting the pavement. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was later identified as Edwin A. Caraballo Burgos. Tragically, Mr. Burgos was pronounced dead at the scene by the Powell County Coroner’s Office. According to officials, he succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Witnesses or bystanders were reportedly not present at the time of the crash, which complicates efforts to determine exactly what happened. Initial findings suggest that Mr. Burgos may have lost control of his vehicle while navigating a curve or while traveling at a speed unsafe for the roadway’s condition. However, troopers have emphasized that this is still an active investigation, and no definitive conclusions have been drawn at this stage.

The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team, trained in reconstructing crash scenes and gathering forensic evidence, has taken over the case. The KSP is expected to review factors including road conditions, the possibility of mechanical failure, driver health, weather at the time of the crash, and any signs of driver impairment or distraction. Toxicology testing, a standard procedure in all fatal vehicle accidents in the state, will be conducted to determine whether alcohol, prescription medication, or other substances played a role. The results of those tests typically take several weeks to be returned and evaluated.

Friends and family of Mr. Burgos were shocked and heartbroken upon hearing the news. Those who knew him described him as a hardworking, kind-hearted man who loved his family and took pride in his community. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mr. Burgos had moved to Middletown, Ohio many years ago in search of opportunities and a better life. He had established roots in the community, where he was known to be an involved neighbor and a supportive friend. His death has sent ripples of grief through both Middletown and among extended family across state lines.

“He was the kind of person who always had time to help others,” said a family acquaintance who asked not to be named. “Whether it was giving someone a ride, sharing a meal, or offering a kind word, Edwin was always there. This is a tragic loss for everyone who knew him.”

Further details about why Mr. Burgos was traveling in Powell County at the time of the crash are not yet clear. He may have been visiting the area for leisure, family, or simply passing through en route to another destination. The region, known for its natural beauty and close proximity to the Red River Gorge, attracts many visitors year-round. However, some of the roads in the area, particularly in less-developed parts of the county, can be challenging to navigate—especially for those unfamiliar with the terrain.

The Powell County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and reminding motorists to exercise caution on rural roads, especially during periods of low visibility or inclement weather. Although no foul weather was reported at the time of the crash, rural areas often experience rapidly changing conditions, with sun glare, loose gravel, and sharp turns posing hazards.

The local community, although not directly involved, expressed concern and sadness over the incident. Community members noted that Black Creek Road has seen its share of traffic incidents over the years, with some suggesting that improved signage or barriers might prevent future tragedies.

“This road has taken lives before,” said a long-time Powell County resident. “There are places where the edge just drops off and no guardrail to stop you. I don’t know what exactly happened in this case, but I know that it could happen to anyone.”

In response to similar concerns, local officials have occasionally discussed infrastructure upgrades for Powell County’s more isolated roads. However, budget constraints and limited state funding have historically prevented substantial improvements. As the investigation continues, some local residents and safety advocates are renewing their calls for transportation safety reviews in rural Kentucky counties where high-speed accidents often result in fatalities due to long emergency response times and poor road design.

Meanwhile, Mr. Burgos’ family is preparing funeral arrangements. A memorial service is expected to take place in Middletown, where he had lived for many years. A GoFundMe campaign or other community-based fundraiser may be established to assist the family with burial expenses, although this had not been formally confirmed at the time of publication.

This tragedy underscores the critical importance of road safety and awareness while driving, especially in unfamiliar or rural environments. While the investigation by the Kentucky State Police remains in progress, the loss of Edwin A. Caraballo Burgos stands as a heartbreaking reminder of how swiftly life can be taken on America’s roads.

Anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle in the moments leading up to the crash or who may have dashcam footage from the area is encouraged to contact Kentucky State Police Post 8 in Morehead. Investigators are hoping that additional context, no matter how small, may help shed light on the final moments before the fatal collision.

As the investigation proceeds, further information is expected to be released by authorities, including the results of the accident reconstruction, toxicology tests, and any additional findings that may clarify the cause of the crash. Until then, the family of Edwin A. Caraballo Burgos waits for answers—and mourns the sudden and painful loss of a beloved son, father, and friend.