Mike Stacy and Michael “Bo” Stacy I Involved in Fatal Hickman County Crash: Kentucky State Police Investigate Single-Vehicle Accident That Claimed Life of 1st Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Stacy
A profound tragedy has struck the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the death of a respected public servant and community leader. Mike Stacy, 68, the longtime Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit of Kentucky, was killed in a devastating single-vehicle crash that occurred on the afternoon of April 29, 2025. His son, Michael “Bo” Stacy I, age 30, was also in the vehicle at the time of the accident and sustained injuries. He was airlifted to an out-of-state hospital and remains in stable condition.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The crash happened around 3:45 PM CST on U.S. Highway 51, near the 3000 block in Hickman County, just outside of Clinton, Kentucky. According to preliminary reports from Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 1 in Mayfield, Mike Stacy was driving a 2018 Infiniti Q50 northbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and collided with a large tree on the passenger side. The force of the impact was catastrophic.
First responders from multiple agencies swiftly arrived on scene, including KSP troopers, Hickman County Sheriff’s Office, Hickman County EMS, Hickman County Fire-Rescue, Hickman County Emergency Management, and an AirEvac helicopter crew. Mike Stacy was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hickman County Coroner’s Office. His son, “Bo” Stacy, who was in the passenger seat, was stabilized at the scene and then transported via helicopter to a trauma center in Tennessee.
Both father and son were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to KSP spokesperson Sgt. Derrick Welch. The cause of the vehicle’s deviation from the road remains undetermined as of this writing. A reconstruction team has been deployed, and toxicology tests are standard protocol in all fatal crashes. However, law enforcement emphasized that no preliminary indicators of impairment were observed.
About the Victims: A Father and Son with Deep Kentucky Roots
Mike Stacy: A Life in Service to the Law and to the Commonwealth
Mike Stacy was more than just a prosecutor—he was a pillar of justice in western Kentucky. Born in Ballard County in 1956, he was a product of small-town values and a deep respect for the rule of law. He received his undergraduate degree from Murray State University and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Stacy began his legal career in private practice, but he quickly transitioned into public service. He was first elected Commonwealth’s Attorney for Kentucky’s 1st Judicial Circuit in 1993, representing Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. Over the course of three decades, Stacy became a formidable figure in the courtroom. Known for his methodical preparation, fierce advocacy for victims, and unwavering sense of fairness, he earned the respect of judges, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, and jurors alike.
Throughout his career, Stacy prosecuted thousands of criminal cases, including many of the region’s most high-profile homicides, drug trafficking offenses, and sexual assault cases. Yet colleagues say that even in the most emotionally charged trials, Stacy retained a cool, principled demeanor and insisted on treating all parties—victims, defendants, and attorneys—with dignity.
“Mike Stacy was the kind of prosecutor you don’t see often anymore,” said retired Circuit Judge Harold Matheson, who presided over dozens of trials in which Stacy served as lead prosecutor. “He brought a level of decency and professionalism to the courtroom that reminded everyone why we do this work.”
Michael “Bo” Stacy I: A Son, Father, and Community Member
Michael “Bo” Stacy I, 30, is the only son of Mike Stacy and has also remained deeply rooted in western Kentucky throughout his life. A graduate of Fulton City High School, Bo Stacy attended college locally and has worked in regional manufacturing and agricultural services. Described by family friends as quiet, dependable, and deeply devoted to his own children, Bo was close to his father both personally and professionally.
The two men had reportedly been returning from a family-related errand at the time of the crash, though no official details have been released about their destination. Bo Stacy is currently receiving treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where he is listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. His recovery will be closely monitored in the coming days.
Family spokesperson and longtime family friend Regina Barnhill released a short statement on behalf of the Stacy family:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Mike. He was a father, a grandfather, a public servant, and a man of deep conviction. Our family asks for privacy as we grieve and as Bo continues his recovery.”
Community Reaction and Public Mourning
News of Mike Stacy’s death spread quickly through Hickman County and the greater western Kentucky legal community. Flags at all government buildings in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties were lowered to half-staff early Wednesday morning, and an official day of mourning is expected to be declared by the Governor’s office.
Attorney General Russell Coleman released a heartfelt statement, praising Stacy as one of the Commonwealth’s most dedicated legal minds:
“Mike Stacy is exactly who you wanted in a courtroom standing up for Kentuckians. As a prosecutor, he was tough, but fair. And as a public servant, he earned the respect of his colleagues and the families he served. His legacy will be felt across generations, both in and out of the courtroom.”
Others in the legal community echoed Coleman’s sentiments. Beth Rice, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Kentucky’s 2nd Circuit, recalled her first trial under Stacy’s guidance.
“He didn’t just teach me how to prosecute a case—he taught me how to do it with compassion. He believed the courtroom was a sacred place and that every decision we made could impact someone’s entire life.”
Local residents also gathered outside the Hickman County Courthouse to leave flowers, cards, and handwritten notes honoring Stacy’s decades of service. One card simply read: “Thank you for standing up for us, Mr. Stacy.”
Legacy of Public Service
Over the course of his tenure, Stacy was instrumental in modernizing the way criminal cases were handled in rural jurisdictions. He championed the introduction of digital case management systems, advocated for greater victim support services, and was a vocal proponent of law enforcement collaboration across county lines.
In 2015, Stacy spearheaded the development of a multi-county drug task force aimed at stemming the tide of opioid abuse in western Kentucky. The task force led to the successful dismantling of more than a dozen major drug trafficking rings and was hailed as a model of inter-agency cooperation.
He also served on several legal advisory boards, including the Kentucky Prosecutors Advisory Council and the state’s Violent Crime Working Group.
Perhaps most memorably, Stacy mentored dozens of young attorneys. Former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jillan Corbin said, “Mike was our North Star. You could walk into his office with any legal question, and he’d walk you through the law, the ethics, and how it would impact the people involved. He believed justice was personal.”
Funeral Arrangements and Public Memorial
Funeral services for Mike Stacy are currently being arranged by the Stacy family in coordination with the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General and the Administrative Office of the Courts. A public memorial is planned for next week at the Ballard County Courthouse, where Stacy tried some of his most notable cases.
The service is expected to draw legal professionals from across the state, as well as elected officials, community leaders, and many of the victims and families he represented over the years. Kentucky Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter is expected to deliver a eulogy.
Ongoing Investigation
The Kentucky State Police have not yet released their final report on the crash. Investigators are examining the scene, vehicle condition, environmental factors, and any mechanical or medical issues that may have contributed. According to Sgt. Welch, the report may take several weeks to complete due to the need for thorough analysis and reconstruction.
“While we mourn the loss of an incredible Kentuckian, we are committed to ensuring that this investigation is conducted with professionalism and care,” Welch said.
Conclusion: A Life Remembered
As Kentucky grapples with the sudden and tragic loss of Mike Stacy, one thing is certain: his absence will be felt profoundly—not only in the legal system he helped shape but in the communities he tirelessly served. Whether it was comforting a victim’s family after a conviction or mentoring a young prosecutor on their first trial, Stacy brought dignity and decency to everything he did.
Michael “Bo” Stacy I, still recovering from the injuries sustained in the crash, now faces a future shaped by both profound loss and the enduring legacy of a father who was more than just a lawyer—he was a public servant in the truest sense.
