London man killed in ATV crash

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May 29, 2008

Justin Samples ran over cable while four-wheeling

By Dean Manning The Sentinel-Echo Thu May 29, 2008, 07:31 PM EDT

A London man was killed Monday, during a four-wheeling excursion in Rockcastle County.

According to Kentucky State Police, Justin Samples, 20, was riding a 2007 Yamaha Raptor ATV Monday in the Luma Hollow area, which is located off of River Road in Rockcastle County. As Samples was driving up a steep embankment, he reportedly struck a cable and was thrown from the ATV.

Samples, who police said was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene by Rockcastle County Coroner Billy Dowell.

Trooper Don Trosper, public affairs officer at KSP Post 11 in London, said the area had been logged recently and the cable had been stretched to block access.

“The cable had red flags and green pop cans on it to mark it,” Trosper said.

Police suspect alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Trosper said Coroner Dowell sent blood samples to the state police crime lab to determine Samples’ blood alcohol content.

Trooper Scottie Pennington is continuing the investigation.

Trosper said no charges have been filed as a result of the incident.

Pennington was assisted at the scene by Trooper Coby Smith, Rockcastle County Coroner’s Office, Rockcastle County EMS and Mount Vernon Fire and Rescue.

Samples, of Mink’s Landscape Contractors, grew up working in his family’s landscaping business.

He was the son of David and Tammy Samples and the brother of Joshua Samples, all of London.

Visitation is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at House-Rawlings Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, also at the funeral home.

He is to be buried next to his grandfather in A.R. Dyche Cemetery, located behind Mink’s Nursery, where he grew up.

Staff writer Dean Manning can be reached by e-mail at dmanning@sentinel-echo.com.