Tragic Crash in Hopkinsville, Chicago Truck Driver Charged After Marijuana-Related Fatal Accident.
Authorities in Hopkinsville, Kentucky are investigating a fatal crash involving a tractor-trailer driver from Chicago, Illinois that claimed the life of 33-year-old Bernice Franklin of Clarksville, Tennessee. Kentucky State Police report that the accident occurred Saturday night in the 4800 block of Fort Campbell Boulevard when 36-year-old Gerasimos Livieratos attempted a U-turn from the southbound lanes into northbound traffic.
During the maneuver, Franklin’s vehicle collided with Livieratos’ tractor-trailer and went underneath the trailer. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A Christian County sheriff’s deputy was reportedly following Livieratos at the time of the crash. Court documents reveal that earlier that evening, another driver had reported Livieratos for reckless driving. Officials noted that he had nearly left Interstate 24 multiple times and had to cut through grass to exit at Exit 81.
After the crash, Livieratos submitted to a saliva test, which indicated the presence of cannabis. He also failed several field sobriety tests. Authorities discovered marijuana and paraphernalia in a backpack inside the tractor-trailer cab, which Livieratos admitted belonged to him, though he claimed he had not used marijuana in six days. Blood test results are pending.
Livieratos faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs, aggravated DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, failure to signal, and improper turning. He is being held at the Christian County Jail without bond and is scheduled for arraignment in Christian District Court on Monday. 🚨
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