BOYD COUNTY, KY — The Boyd County community is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Christopher “Howie” Raymond Wilks, who tragically died in a single-vehicle accident on Saturday night, August 23, 2025. Authorities report that the fatal crash occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of Friendship Road and Whites Creek Road.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Wilks’ vehicle was traveling along Friendship Road when it left the roadway, rolling multiple times before coming to rest in a nearby field. The vehicle reportedly caught fire during the accident. Wilks, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene by the Boyd County Coroner’s Office.
Wilks, a resident of Linda Circle, Catlettsburg, was preparing to begin his senior year at Boyd County High School this week. His unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the local community, including fellow students, friends, and school staff. His body has been transported to Frankfort for autopsy, as part of the ongoing investigation.
The investigation into the crash is being conducted collaboratively by the Kentucky State Police Post 14, the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office, and the Boyd County Coroner’s Office. Responding agencies included:
•Boyd County Coroner’s Office
•Boyd County Sheriff’s Department
•Kentucky State Police
•East Fork Fire Department
•England Hill Fire Department
•Big Sandy Fire Department
•Boyd County EMS
•Boyd County–Catlettsburg–Ashland Emergency Management
The tragic loss of Wilks has left the Boyd County community in mourning, as classmates, teachers, and neighbors remember him as a bright and active young man. Officials from the Coroner’s Office have asked the public to keep Wilks’ family, classmates, and the Boyd County school system in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash, including vehicle speed, road conditions, and any other contributing factors. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the devastating consequences that can occur in moments of inattention or misfortune.
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