UPTON, KY — The Hardin County community is grieving the loss of John Barnes, a 57-year-old resident of Upton, Kentucky, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident on the Western Kentucky Parkway on Monday night, July 28, 2025.
The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office reports that the incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. near the 121-mile marker. According to preliminary investigations, Barnes was traveling eastbound on his motorcycle when he encountered difficulties maintaining control on a rain-slicked roadway. The wet conditions likely contributed to his motorcycle veering across the median, where it collided with a westbound tractor-trailer operated by 41-year-old Vasily Burshtynskiy.
The collision was catastrophic, and despite the rapid response of emergency services, Barnes was pronounced deceased at the scene. Burshtynskiy, the truck driver, was uninjured, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Authorities have stated that there is no evidence suggesting impairment or reckless driving by either party, and no charges have been filed at this time.
The Western Kentucky Parkway was temporarily closed in both directions to allow emergency crews to manage the scene and investigators to gather evidence. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Kentucky State Police, is conducting a thorough investigation, examining factors such as weather conditions, road surface, and vehicle dynamics to determine the precise cause of the accident.
John Barnes was a beloved figure in Upton, known for his warm personality and passion for motorcycling. His sudden passing has deeply affected friends, neighbors, and the broader community, who describe him as a dedicated and compassionate individual. His death underscores the inherent risks motorcyclists face, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Safety officials are using this tragedy to remind motorcyclists and drivers to exercise heightened caution on wet roads. Reduced traction can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, and experts recommend lowering speeds, maintaining greater following distances, and ensuring vehicles are equipped with appropriate tires for wet conditions.
Funeral arrangements for John Barnes have not yet been made public, as his family navigates this profound loss. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with relevant information about the incident to contact them to assist with the ongoing investigation.
As Upton mourns, the community extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of John Barnes, whose life was cut short in this devastating accident.