Background: A section of US-421 in Milton, Kentucky (Google Maps). Inset left: Mary May (Oldham County Detention Center). Inset right: David Logan Jr. (Newcomer Funeral Home).
A woman in Kentucky was driving more than 100 mph with three children in her car when she crossed the center line of a highway and smashed into a truck driver, authorities say.
Mary May, 29, has been charged with reckless homicide in the death of 39-year-old David Logan Jr., jail records reviewed by Law&Crime show. The defendant also faces charges of reckless driving, first-degree wanton endangerment, and first-degree assault.
On the morning of June 16, May was driving a red 2012 Volvo S60 on US-421 in Trimble County, Kentucky. The area is just northeast of Louisville.
She had three children in the car — one 5-year-old and two 4-year-olds — at the time, regional Fox affiliate WDRB reported.
At the same time, Logan was driving a black 1987 Ford Ranger pickup truck, Kentucky State Police said. Suddenly, a speeding May allegedly crossed the center line and hit the truck.
Authorities responded to the crash site, where Logan was pronounced dead. May was flown to a hospital "for serious injuries" and the three children were flown to a children's hospital, also for "serious injuries."
According to area CBS affiliate WLKY, May and two of the children have since been released from the hospital. One of the kids suffered a concussion and brain swelling, another had a brain bleed and broken bone, and the third suffered multiple spinal fractures.
May was apparently arrested late last month and appeared in court on Tuesday in a wheelchair as she recovers from broken bones and other injuries she sustained in the crash. Her attorney suggested the crash was caused because she was distracted by one of the children unbuckling their seatbelt.
However, authorities reportedly contend that the defendant was trying to pass three vehicles in front of her.
Authorities do not yet know whether May was under the influence of anything at the time of the crash, though they say she was speeding at more than 100 mph when she smashed into the truck.
Logan's obituary remembers him as "an immensely talented DJ, graphic designer, marketing expert" who "enjoyed traveling, hiking, boating, snowboarding, riding four wheelers, and more than anything, spending time with his friends and family."
"David was a man of tremendous heart, a compassionate friend to many and a beacon of support to those who needed it most," the obit adds. "He never let anyone go unnoticed or unheard, and his determination to lift others was seemingly boundless. His million dollar smile could lighten any room, while his sense of humor turned ordinary days into joyful occasions. Through every stage of his journey, David's authenticity left a mark that will never fade."