A former teacher at Russell County High School was killed and his wife seriously injured in a two vehicle rollover wreck on Hwy. 55 last Tuesday, three miles north of Columbia.

According to State Trooper Dewayne Holder, police are investigating the wreck that occurred at 1:45 p.m.

He said 41-year-old Charles Caldwell of Greensburg was operating a 2007 Dodge southbound on Hwy. 55 when it attempted to pass a 1997 Ford being driven by Rebecca West, 51, of Russell Springs.

The Caldwell vehicle struck West’s vehicle in the rear, causing West’s vehicle to overturn numerous times, according to police.

A passenger in West’s vehicle, Larry West, 61, of Russell Springs, was ejected from the vehicle.

Rebecca West was flown to the University of Louisville while her husband was pronounced dead at Westlake Regional Hospital.

Both parties in the West vehicle were belted.

Caldwell, who was not belted, was treated and released at Westlake Regional Hospital in Columbia.

Larry West was a retired Russell County school teacher, who had taught for many years at Russell County High School.