An Elizaville teenager is dead after stepping out in front of a vehicle Wednesday, according to police. Thirteen-year-old Amber Choate of Fleming County was walking across KY 32 when the eighth grader stepped out in front of a 2002 Chevy Pickup driven by Dustin Hawkins, 29, of Flemingsburg, according to police.
Police reports say Hawkins had no time to react to the juvenile in front of his vehicle.
“The impact of the vehicle knocked her several feet,” Fleming County Coroner Gary Workman said. “The driver of the vehicle then turned around to check on her. He and his friend were going deer hunting and driving separate vehicles. The person in the other vehicle was an off duty deputy sheriff. The two men said she had a faint heart beat when they got back to her.”
Choate was transported to Fleming County Hospital where she was pronounced dead by Workman.
Choate had been visiting her grandmother and was crossing KY 32 to go home, according to reports.
“We are going to remember Amber as a really energetic honor student who always worked hard and tried to help others,” said Simmons Middle School Principal Lisa Eldridge.
“Our faculty and students were shaken by this and they were able to express their grief with each other and we had counselors here from the school district. Our youth service center was instrumental in helping students that were upset by providing counseling.”
The local counseling firm “Comprehend” brought counselors in to aid with grieving students also, according to Eldridge.
Simons Middle School started Wednesday off with a moment of silence. According to Eldridge, news reached many of the students before the school day even started. School officials say the day ended with a memorial service.
“She was very active in our ‘Cougars for Christ’ organization which is our student led Christian organization,” said Eldridge. “Our sympathy goes out to her family and I know how difficult it’s been here at school and I’m sure it is just magnified by her family.”
The funeral for Choate will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Simons Middle School.
Local News
13-year-old killed
Teen was 'energetic, honor student'
- Local News
-
-
Morehead woman pleads guilty to incest, sodomy
A Morehead woman pleaded guilty Wednesday in Rowan Circuit Court to five crimes involving the sexual abuse of her young son. Brittany Henson, 22, pleaded guilty to incest, sodomy first degree, promoting a sexual performance by a minor, and possession and distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor.
-
KSP, corrections stage exercise in Clearfield
Residents of KY 519 and McBrayer Road in Clearfield were surprised Thursday morning to find groups of state corrections officers and state police troopers walking through their neighborhoods.
-
Stacy: UPIKE proposal would threaten Rowan economy
There was a decidedly different tone Thursday at the normally-jovial monthly luncheon meeting of the Morehead-Rowan Chamber of Commerce. “If I sound agitated, that’s because I am,” Rep. John Will Stacy said to a roomful of business and civic leaders.
-
Blevins won’t challenge Stivers in new district
After more than 30 years in the Kentucky General Assembly, Sen. Walter Blevins, D-Morehead, knows a politician has to be flexible. The veteran lawmaker did not file this week to run for reelection in the newly-aligned 25th District.
-
Two Rowan schools win Get Fit challenge
Students at Clearfield and McBrayer elementary schools hopped, skipped and jumped their way to a live dance party hosted by Radio Disney. They were among eight Kentucky schools with the highest participation in the Get Active, Get Fit School Challenge.
-
Alleged cyber sexual predator arrested
An alleged online sexual predator was arrested in Morehead yesterday at 1:10 a.m. after he arranged a meeting with what he thought was a 12 year-old female.
-
29 indicted by grand jury
Eight people were charged with engaging in a criminal syndicate among the 29 indicted by a Rowan County grand jury Jan. 20.
-
Medical e-record use mandate drawing nearer
Technology will be playing a bigger role in patient care than ever before.
-
MCTC cosmetology program opens doors for clients
The Cosmetology Program salon at Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) is now open for business. The salon is housed in MCTC’s new Downtown Extension located in the old Rowan County Middle School building.
-
KSP responds to KY 7 accident Saturday morning
Kentucky State Police at Morehead responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 7 in the Wrigley community of Morgan County Saturday morning, January 28.
- More Local News Headlines
-






