The McCracken County Sheriff's Department is investigating a fatal collision that occurred at 8:37am this morning on I-24 near the 10 mile marker. A 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup that was driven by Jerry Skinner, 60 of Gilbertsville, was eastbound on I-24. Witnesses told deputies that Mr. Skinner's vehicle was weaving and crossed the center line and fog line several times before he left the roadway, crossed the median and collided with a westbound 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe that was driven by Michelle Phillips, 52 of Paducah. The Chevrolet Silverado immediately burst into flames upon impact. Michelle Phillips parents, Shirley Ragan, 75 of Paducah and Junior Ragan, 80 of Paducah, were passengers in the vehicle as well. All three were taken to Western Baptist Hospital. Their medical status at this time is unknown. Jerry Skinner was pulled from the vehicle by a passerby but was pronounced dead at the scene by McCracken County Deputy Coroner Ben Bradford. We are unable to determine, at this point, if alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor to the collision. The investigation is still ongoing.

The westbound lane of I-24 was shut down for 3 hours while the collision was reconstructed. The McCracken County Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Kentucky State Police, Reidland-Farley Fire Department, Kentucky Department of Transportation, and Mercy Regional EMS.

Det. Sgt. Darryl Carr

McCracken Co. Sheriff's Department