LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. — A tragic accident in Lawrenceburg claimed the life of 29-year-old Ashley Quicksall on Thursday night, leaving a community heartbroken and reigniting concerns about the dangers of impaired driving and pedestrian safety. The incident occurred around 10:23 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 and Front Street, where Quicksall, a Lawrenceburg resident, was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road.
According to the Lawrenceburg Police Department, Quicksall was walking across the intersection with another individual when she was hit by a car driven by 50-year-old Cory Lyon. Despite swift response efforts from emergency personnel, Quicksall succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other person accompanying Quicksall was not injured in the collision.
Cory Lyon, the driver involved in the crash, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. He was taken into custody after police determined he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Additionally, Lyon was found to be in possession of marijuana, further compounding the severity of the situation. He now faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and illegal possession of marijuana. Booking records describe Lyon as a white male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 155 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes.
The accident has left Lawrenceburg residents stunned and prompted local authorities to issue warnings regarding pedestrian safety and impaired driving. “This tragedy reminds us of the dangers we face every day on the road,” a police spokesperson said. “It’s imperative that drivers remain vigilant, especially in areas where pedestrian traffic is common, and avoid any form of impaired driving.”
Pedestrian safety has become a growing concern in the area, with residents voicing frustrations over high-speed traffic on U.S. Route 50. The intersection where the accident occurred is particularly known for its risks, especially at night when visibility is reduced. This tragic event underscores the importance of street lighting, crosswalk markings, and enforcement of traffic regulations to ensure safety for all road users.
As part of their ongoing investigation, the Lawrenceburg Police Department is reviewing surveillance footage from businesses near the crash site. They are also seeking additional witnesses who may have seen what transpired. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Lawrenceburg Police Department to assist in the investigation.
The death of Ashley Quicksall has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and the wider Lawrenceburg community. Quicksall, remembered by those who knew her as a kind-hearted individual, was taken from them in a devastating and seemingly preventable accident. In her memory, local residents have begun creating a makeshift memorial at the crash site, leaving flowers and lighting candles at the intersection where her life was tragically cut short.
While the community mourns this profound loss, many are calling for increased efforts to combat impaired driving—a long-standing issue on both local and national levels. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 10,000 people die annually in alcohol-related crashes in the U.S., a stark reminder of the severe consequences of driving under the influence.
Law enforcement officials have taken this moment to remind the public that impaired driving poses a significant threat to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. “It’s heartbreaking to think that this accident was avoidable,” said one local resident, “Impaired driving takes lives, and people need to realize that before it’s too late.”
The legal proceedings against Cory Lyon are now underway, with local residents closely watching to see justice served for the death of Ashley Quicksall. Lyon’s charges of OWI and illegal drug possession carry potentially significant penalties if he is found guilty.
In the meantime, authorities continue to urge the public to make responsible decisions, both behind the wheel and as pedestrians. Avoiding alcohol and drugs before driving, staying alert at intersections, and using designated crosswalks can make a difference in preventing similar tragedies.
As the community of Lawrenceburg processes this devastating loss, Quicksall’s death stands as a sobering reminder of the fragile balance between safety and danger on the roads. Whether as drivers or pedestrians, all must play a role in ensuring that tragedies like this one never happen again.