CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

BRANHAM CREEK — A devastating accident on KY-680 in the Branham Creek community of Floyd County claimed the lives of two teenagers in the early hours Sunday.

The incident occurred when a 2019 Chevrolet pickup, driven by 20-year-old Marcus Auxier of Nippa, veered off the roadway and overturned. Kentucky State Police Post 9 received the distress call at 2:25 a.m. and rushed to the scene.

The Floyd County Coroner’s Office pronounced two teenagers deceased at the scene. The victims were identified as 16-year-old Kendra Jade Moreno and 14-year-old MaKenna Reese Barnett, both students at Prestonsburg High School.

Emergency personnel transported four others, including the driver, to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Floyd County Schools officials shared the news Sunday afternoon through a Facebook post, confirming the identities of the deceased students. Superintendent Anna Shepherd expressed her condolences and extended her support to those affected by the loss.

To help students and the community, Shepherd announced that counselors would be available at Prestonsburg High School, Adams Middle School and Allen Elementary starting Monday and in the coming days.

The funeral service for the two girls will be in the Prestonsburg High School gymnasium at 2 p.m. Friday, July 28.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing by KSP Accident Reconstructionist, Detective Joshua Scott. KSP Post 9 personnel, Mud Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Garrett Volunteer Fire Department, Betsy Layne Volunteer Fire Department and Lifeguard Ambulance Service assisted Scott at the scene.