BOONE COUNTY, Ky. - A tragic incident unfolded on Monday night when a 70-year-old man lost his life after trying to run across Interstate 75 northbound following a four-vehicle crash near the Richwood Road exit. The Boone County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim as Philip Latham.

According to the authorities, the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m., when 41-year-old Joseph York was driving a Toyota Tacoma on the I-75 overpass near the Richwood Road Exit. Icy road conditions caused York to lose control of the truck, resulting in it veering into the left emergency lane.

In an attempt to regain control of the vehicle, York's truck collided with a Ford Focus, driven by Philip Latham. Following this initial collision, the truck continued across all lanes of the roadway, ultimately hitting a Chevrolet Impala and a Paper Transport, LLC Freightliner. All the vehicles involved in the accident came to rest on the right side of the highway, except for the Ford Focus, which remained in the emergency lane facing the wrong direction.

After the crash, Latham exited his car roughly 10 minutes later and made a fateful decision to run across the highway towards the other three vehicles, unaware of the danger that awaited him. Tragically, Latham was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office stated that neither speed nor intoxication appeared to have contributed to either of the crashes. It was solely the hazardous road conditions that played a role in causing the initial loss of control for York's truck.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that pedestrians face on busy highways, especially when compounded by adverse weather conditions. The Boone County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, offering condolences to the family and friends of Philip Latham during this difficult time.

As authorities work to gather more information, it is crucial for drivers and pedestrians alike to exercise caution when navigating roadways, particularly during inclement weather.