Kentucky State Police Post 15 is investigating a two-vehicle fatal collision that occurred on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at approximately 10:43 a.m. on Bridgewater Road in Adair County.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Jessica Wilkinson, age 28, of Columbia, was operating a 2019 Chrysler Van northbound on Bridgewater Road, when she crossed into the southbound lane, striking a 2003 Ford Mustang head-on.
The operator of the Mustang, a 16-year-old juvenile from Columbia, was unable to avoid the collision because of the hillcrest. Wilkinson and her two passengers, Derek Wilkinson, age 31, of Columbia, and a 3-year-old passenger, received minor injuries.
The operator of the Mustang, Dalton Gilbert, and one other juvenile passenger, Shyanna Harmon, were transported to T.J. Health in Columbia. Harmon, who was riding in the back seat, was pronounced deceased by the Adair County Coroner. Gilbert was hospitalized until succumbing to his injuries on Monday.
Harmon’s funeral will be Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Adair County Middle School.
Gilbert’s funeral will be Friday, March 25, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Adair County High School.
Adair County Superintendent Dr. Pamela Stephens announced at Tuesday night’s school board meeting that there would be no school on Thursday or Friday.
Board Chairman Troy Grider opened the meeting by saying, “We’re here with heavy hearts tonight. We ask that you keep those families in your prayers.”
This collision remains under investigation by Tpr. Brandon Roark. Roark was assisted at the scene by other KSP personnel, Adair County Sheriff Dept., Adair County Rescue Squad, Adair County Fire and EMS.
Before learning of Gilbert’s death on Monday, Stephens released the following statement about the tragedy:
“It is with great sadness I share the news that an Adair County Middle School student, eighth-grader Shyanna Harmon, lost her life in an automobile accident Sunday morning.
As a district, we send our deepest sympathy to the family and lift them up in prayer. Our condolences also go out to Shyanna’s many friends and family in their time of loss and grieving.
Adair County Schools’ Crisis Response Team, made up of trained counselors, will be on site at each school Monday morning to talk with students, parents, and staff as they process this loss to our school family.
Thank you for your support of our students and staff as we work together to cope with this tragedy. Please feel free to contact your child’s school if you feel that someone needs to check on your child or speak with your child.
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are extended to the Harmon family.”
