A driver under the influence of drugs has been jailed after a DUI crash killed a Russell County man.
Kentucky State Police responded to the crash Monday afternoon at approximately 2:30 on the Cumberland Parkway in Russell County.
State police said the wreck occurred when 28-year-old Christopher M. Austin, of Russell Springs, was traveling west in a 2016 Kia Optima when the vehicle left the roadway. As Austin reentered the roadway, the Kia collided with a westbound 2020 Jeep Cherokee, being driven by 60-year-old Maylon Brown, of Russell Springs.
Brown was transported to Russell County Hospital where he was pronounced deceased by the Russell County Coroner’s Office.
Austin refused medical treatment. He was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide when under the influence of drugs, DUI (his second such offense), possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center on a $1 million cash bond.
Sr. Trooper Brandon Roark is leading the investigation.
According to the Kentucky Department of Corrections, Austin, in April 2025, was placed in a pre-trial diversion program after his arrest on January 17, 2025, for possession of methamphetamine.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
