Heartbreak has struck the small, tight-knit community of Liberty, Kentucky, following a tragic accident that claimed the life of 20-year-old John Gingerich early Tuesday morning along US 127 near KY 501 in Casey County.
According to a report from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15, the collision occurred at approximately 7:24 a.m. EST. Investigators determined that John Gingerich was traveling north on US 127 in a horse-drawn wagon, a common mode of travel among local Amish and rural residents. Sadly, the wagon was not equipped with rear-facing lights or a slow-moving vehicle reflective placard, which would have made it more visible to oncoming traffic during the early morning hours.
At the same time, a Kia Sedona, driven by 33-year-old Jacob Goodman of Columbia, was also heading northbound on US 127. Preliminary findings indicate that Goodman did not see the wagon in time and struck it from behind, resulting in a devastating crash that tragically ended John’s life.
Emergency responders from the Casey County EMS and Dunnville Fire Department rushed to the scene within minutes. Despite their best efforts and the quick response of Clovis Fire Department – Emergency Medical Services, John Gingerich was transported to Casey County Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. The Casey County Coroner later pronounced him deceased.
Jacob Goodman escaped the collision uninjured, but three juvenile passengers in his vehicle were transported to Casey County Hospital with minor injuries. They were later reported to be in stable condition.
KSP Post 15 Troopers, along with the Crash Reconstruction Team, worked at the site for several hours, collecting evidence and piecing together what happened. The stretch of US 127 was temporarily closed while investigators examined the scene and cleared debris before reopening to traffic later in the morning.
The investigation remains ongoing, with Detective Weston Sullivan leading the case. KSP was assisted by the Casey County Sheriff’s Office, Casey County EMS, Dunnville Fire Department, and the Casey County Coroner’s Office.
For those who knew John, the news has been nothing short of devastating. Friends and family describe him as a humble, hardworking young man who loved his faith, his community, and his way of life. Known for his gentle demeanor and strong work ethic, John was the kind of person who never hesitated to lend a helping hand — whether it was in the fields, at home, or in his community.
💬 “John had such a kind heart,” one neighbor shared. “He was always respectful and always smiling. He lived simply, but he made a big impact on everyone who knew him.”
This tragedy has left the Gingerich family and their community in mourning, reflecting on a life taken far too soon and the constant need for road safety awareness — especially for those who share rural roads with slow-moving vehicles.
As the community comes together to honor John’s memory, candles, flowers, and handwritten messages continue to appear near the stretch of road where the accident occurred.
Our thoughts and deepest prayers go out to the family and loved ones of John Gingerich. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory serve as a lasting reminder of compassion, faith, and the fragility of life.
