11-year-old boy from Central Kentucky dies after ATV crash in Washington County
An 11-year-old boy was killed in an ATV crash Friday, according to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
The wreck happened Friday afternoon on Deep Creek Road in Washington County, according to Washington County Sheriff Jerry Pinkston. The coroner’s office identified the boy as Benton Lester, of Harrodsburg.
Pinkston said the Lester was the lone rider of the ATV when it fell off the shoulder of the road into a culvert. He was conscious after the crash and flown to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital.
The boy died Friday night at the hospital from multiple blunt trauma injuries to the head and torso, according to the coroner’s office. Lester was not wearing a helmet during the crash, but Pinkston said it wouldn’t have made a difference.
The manner of his death was listed as an accident. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the wreck.
Lester enjoyed outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and playing in any body of water, according to his obituary. He also collected guns, knives, baseball cards and many other items.
“He was all boy, however, some would say he was an old soul,” Lester’s obituary read. “He loved ‘80s country music, he shook your hand like a cowboy while looking you straight in the eyes.”
Lester also had two brothers and was described as a great middle brother, according to his obituary. He attended Unity Baptist Church in Harrodsburg and was saving his livestock money to purchase a big truck one day.
Lester is a former student at Perryville Elementary School after spending his preschool and kindergarten years there. The school said he was a kind and joyful boy.
“He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Perryville Elementary School said in a Facebook post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 10:10 AM.
