Isaac Barkley dies in fatal Louisville Preston Highway car crash

Isaac Barkley dies in fatal Louisville Preston Highway car crash
Fatal Louisville Preston Highway car crash death of Isaac Barkley – Obituary

Authorities have identified Isaac Barkley, a 31-year-old Louisville resident, as the pedestrian who lost his life after being struck by a vehicle along a busy stretch of Preston Highway late last month.

The incident occurred at about 5:15 p.m. on December 22, 2025, in the 7300 block of Preston Highway near Minors Lane. According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Barkley was transported to UofL Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries roughly 45 minutes after the collision.

Louisville Metro Police reported that Barkley and another man were attempting to cross the roadway in a poorly lit area. The pair had reached the center median, which also serves as a turning lane. Investigators say Barkley then stepped back into the southbound lanes, where he was struck by an approaching vehicle.

The driver, identified as 60-year-old Pamela Speer, was later charged with manslaughter and made her initial court appearance on Thursday, January 8. During the hearing, Speer’s defense attorney maintained that she was not at fault, arguing that Barkley suddenly entered the roadway.

However, arrest documents indicate investigators believe Speer was traveling at an excessive speed while using the center turn lane at the time of impact. Prosecutors also disclosed that surveillance video appears to show her vehicle moving through the turn lane while traffic in the regular lanes was stopped.

Speer’s bond was set at $5,000, and she is scheduled to return to court on January 16.

Officials also clarified that an earlier report misspelled the victim’s surname. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the correct spelling is Barkley, not Bartley.