Kentucky State Police trooper Rob Farley said he charged Phillip Osborne, 26, with operating a motor vehicle under the influence and two counts of first-degree assault following his investigation into the crash.
Farley said Osborne was traveling east on KY 38 at Coxton in a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am when he crossed the center line, overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, causing it to rotate and strike the front end of Connie Peace's vehicle. Osborne's vehicle then overturned upon impact. Peace, 47, of Evarts, was traveling west on KY 38 in a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Farley said Middleton was a passenger in Osborne's vehicle, and he was partially ejected. Also a passenger in Osborne's vehicle was Shannon King, 22, of Harlan.
The Harlan County Rescue Squad was summoned to assist at the scene after it was believed that several people were trapped inside. Emergency personnel were able to remove the injured without the assistance of mechanical means.
Farley said Middleton sustained severe injuries. He was taken to Harlan ARH Hospital, where he was later airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. Middleton was pronounced dead at the medical center on Saturday.
Farley said Osborne and Peace were admitted to Harlan ARH Hospital after receiving multiple injuries. King was treated at Harlan ARH for minor injuries.
The incident remains under investigation by Farley. He was assisted by the Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Harlan EMS and LifeCare Ambulance Service.






