Matthew Combs Obituary, Death — A deadly single-vehicle accident in Burlington, Kentucky, claimed the life of a local man and left another individual hospitalized early Friday morning. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatality and is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Deputies responded around 4 a.m. to reports of a severe collision near the intersection of East Bend Road and Possum Path Road. Upon arrival, they discovered a car overturned and blocking both lanes of the roadway after a violent crash that ended in tragedy.
According to preliminary findings from the sheriff’s office, the vehicle had been traveling westbound along East Bend Road when the driver failed to safely navigate a curve. Instead, the car crossed over the center line into the opposite lane before veering off the roadway entirely. The vehicle then struck a tree with significant force, causing it to flip over and come to rest in a position that obstructed traffic in both directions.
The driver, identified as 48-year-old Matthew Combs of Burlington, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that Combs had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, which may have contributed to the severity of his injuries.
A passenger riding in the vehicle was also injured in the crash. Emergency crews worked carefully to extricate the passenger from the damaged car before rushing them to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Officials reported that the individual sustained potentially life-threatening injuries, though their current condition has not been disclosed. Unlike the driver, the passenger was wearing a seat belt, investigators noted.
The impact of the crash forced the closure of East Bend Road for several hours while deputies, emergency responders, and the Accident Reconstruction Unit examined the scene. Crews cleared the wreckage and reopened the roadway later in the day once the investigation and cleanup were complete.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office said its specialized reconstruction team is working to determine exactly what led to the deadly crash. Investigators are considering multiple possible factors, including driver error, speed, and road conditions. Early evidence indicates that speed played a role in the wreck, though alcohol and drug impairment have not yet been confirmed or ruled out. Toxicology testing and further analysis will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of seat belt use in reducing the risk of fatal injuries during accidents. They noted the stark difference between the driver and the passenger in this crash—while Combs, who was unrestrained, died at the scene, the passenger who had been wearing a seat belt, though seriously injured, survived the collision. Authorities continue to remind the public that wearing a seat belt significantly increases the chances of surviving a serious crash.
The fatal accident has left the Burlington community in mourning as friends and family come to terms with the sudden loss of Combs. Officials are urging drivers to remain cautious on rural roads like East Bend Road, which can be particularly hazardous due to curves, narrow lanes, and limited visibility in certain stretches.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that updates will be provided as the investigation develops. At this time, no further details regarding the passenger’s identity or condition have been released.
This crash stands as another reminder of the dangers that speeding and lack of seat belt use pose to motorists, even in familiar areas. Deputies continue to encourage drivers to practice safe driving habits and remain alert at all times to prevent future tragedies on Kentucky roadways.
