PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WCHS) — A local man was arrested following a fatal DUI crash in May 2025, according to the Prestonsburg Police Department.
Joshua Conley, 41, of Paintsville, faces charges of vehicular homicide while under the influence, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended license.
Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 23 near Town Branch Road, where 71-year-old Susan Pratt of Kingsport, Tenn., was found critically injured. She died months later in the hospital.
Investigators determined Conley crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with the vehicle in which Pratt was a passenger. Testing revealed Conley was under the influence of fentanyl and methamphetamine at the time of the crash.
Evidence presented to a Floyd County grand jury led to Conley's indictment earlier this year. Authorities coordinated with State Police for his arrest over the weekend.
“This is but a small step forward toward justice for Pratt and her family,” said Prestonsburg Police Chief Ross Shurtleff. “These extensive investigations build solid, prosecutable cases.”