HENDERSON, Ky. — A tragic crash on State Road 66 in Warrick County has left two families shattered and two communities grieving the sudden loss of 74-year-old Ricky Kiesel of Newburgh and 52-year-old Jason Born of Evansville.
The collision occurred Tuesday evening on a busy stretch of the highway, a roadway that thousands of drivers travel daily. According to investigators, the two vehicles collided head-on in what authorities have described as a “violent and catastrophic” crash. First responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts to rescue and revive both drivers, neither man survived.
A Sudden Loss on a Familiar Road
For those who travel State Road 66, the sight of flashing emergency lights and blocked traffic is unsettling but not uncommon. Yet on this night, the devastation cut deeper. Witnesses told dispatchers that the impact could be heard from nearby homes and businesses. Pieces of twisted metal scattered across the pavement, forcing officials to close the highway for hours as they pieced together what happened.
While investigators work through the technical details of the crash — reviewing skid marks, vehicle positions, and possible contributing factors — families are facing the harsher reality: two lives, each deeply valued, are now gone.
Remembering Ricky Kiesel
At 74, Ricky Kiesel of Newburgh had lived through decades of change in his hometown. Neighbors describe him as someone who always had time for a wave or a quick conversation, a man who carried himself with quiet kindness. For some, he was a reminder of simpler times — dependable, friendly, and grounded in community.
“He was the kind of person you could count on,” one longtime neighbor shared. “Always steady, always there. The street won’t feel the same without him.”
Kiesel’s family has not yet released a public statement, but friends say he treasured time with his loved ones and enjoyed the routines of everyday life. His passing at an age where many look forward to rest and reflection has left those who knew him in disbelief.
Remembering Jason Born
Just 52 years old, Jason Born of Evansville was in what many would call the prime of his life. Friends recall his dedication to hard work and, above all, to his family. He was described as dependable, caring, and willing to go the extra mile for anyone who needed him.
“Jason wasn’t just a friend; he was like family,” one colleague said. “You could always rely on him, whether it was for help with something practical or just to talk when life got hard.”
Loved ones have expressed heartbreak over a life cut short. At 52, Born still had plans to fulfill, milestones to reach, and memories to make. His sudden passing leaves a painful void in the lives of those closest to him.
A Road That Holds Memories and Risks
State Road 66, stretching across Warrick County, has long been considered a vital but challenging roadway. Heavy traffic, frequent construction zones, and fast-moving vehicles have made it the site of multiple accidents over the years. Local residents say every crash is a reminder of how fragile life is — but when names and faces are attached, the weight of loss becomes all too real.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Tuesday’s collision. Weather was clear at the time, and no passengers were involved. Toxicology tests and further reconstruction reports are pending, but officials have not suggested foul play.
Shared Grief Across Two Communities
The deaths of Kiesel and Born connect two Indiana communities separated by only a short drive. In Newburgh, conversations have turned to fond memories of a familiar neighbor. In Evansville, coworkers, friends, and relatives gather to console one another and share stories of a man known for his quiet strength.
“Two lives gone in an instant, two families forever changed,” one local resident said after learning of the crash. “It makes you want to hold your loved ones a little tighter.”
Looking Ahead
Funeral arrangements for both men are expected to be announced by their families in the coming days. Vigils and memorial gatherings are already being discussed, as friends look for ways to honor the memories of two men who mattered deeply to those around them.
For now, as Warrick County drivers once again pass through the reopened stretch of State Road 66, many will remember the night when tragedy struck and the names Ricky Kiesel and Jason Born became etched into the collective memory of two grieving towns.
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