Brandon Higgins – Authorities in Christian County are investigating a tragic incident that occurred Wednesday night along Madisonville Road near Mount Zoar–Latham Road, which resulted in the death of a Hopkinsville man. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the man, identified as 40-year-old Brandon Higgins, was struck by a vehicle during the response to a separate law enforcement call.
According to deputies, they were initially dispatched to a home on Morgan Lane following reports that a man—later identified as Higgins—had entered a residence without permission. The homeowner reportedly did not know the man and asked him to leave. After the situation was de-escalated, Higgins left the property before officers arrived.
While deputies were responding to the call, they received another report that a person matching Higgins’ description was seen near Madisonville Road. Investigators say Higgins had been near a guardrail when, for reasons still unclear, he suddenly stepped into the roadway and into the path of an approaching sheriff’s department vehicle. The deputy was unable to avoid the collision despite attempts to stop.
Emergency personnel quickly arrived on the scene and provided medical assistance, but Higgins did not survive his injuries. Officials confirmed that the deputy driving the vehicle was not hurt, and no other individuals were involved.
Law enforcement immediately secured the scene and notified the Kentucky State Police (KSP), who were called in to assist with the investigation, as is standard procedure when an incident involves a law enforcement vehicle. KSP investigators worked alongside the Christian County Sheriff’s Office to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash and gather evidence from the scene.
The roadway was temporarily closed for several hours as authorities conducted a detailed examination and collected physical evidence. Traffic in the area was redirected until the investigation was complete and the roadway was cleared.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that Higgins appeared to be in distress prior to the collision and may have been under the influence of alcohol or another substance, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. Toxicology reports from the medical examiner’s office are pending and will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have stated that the deputy involved is cooperating fully with investigators, and body camera as well as dash camera footage from the patrol vehicle are being reviewed to establish a complete understanding of what occurred. The deputy has been temporarily placed on administrative leave, a routine measure during investigations of this nature.
Neighbors in the Madisonville Road area expressed concern after hearing about the event, describing the incident as both shocking and heartbreaking. Many have extended condolences to Higgins’ family and to everyone affected by the tragedy.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed thoroughly and transparently. Once all evidence is reviewed, the Kentucky State Police will submit their findings to the Christian County Attorney’s Office for independent evaluation.
The Sheriff’s Office also reminded the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all facts are carefully examined before any conclusions are reached.
As the community processes the news, local leaders have encouraged compassion for all parties involved — the family of the deceased, the responding officers, and others impacted by the situation. Support services have been made available to both the family and law enforcement personnel who witnessed the event.
The investigation by Kentucky State Police remains ongoing. More details will be released once the agency completes its review and the medical examiner’s report becomes available. Authorities continue to request that anyone who may have witnessed the event or has additional information contact the KSP or the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
