By FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

A Lewis County, Ky., crash has claimed the life of a South Portsmouth man. Rickie Flanery, 55, was operating a 2002 Chevrolet Impala on Wednesday westbound on Ky 8, when Lewis County sheriff’s deputies said his vehicle dropped off the shoulder of the road. Flanery overcorrected, crossed the center line and impacted an earth embankment, deputies reported. The vehicle rolled three times before coming to rest in the eastbound lane of Ky 8. Flanery was ejected from the vehicle.

Lewis County Sheriff Johnny Bivens said Flanery was airlifted from the scene and flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, W.Va., where he died from his injuries.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Garrison Fire and Rescue, Black Oak Fire and Rescue, Medcorp Ambulance, and Kentucky Med Flight.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com