Tragedy struck Sunday morning, around 1 a.m. when Dipesh “Dee” Soma, 27, of Albany, and his girlfriend, Ashley Cross, 19, of Monticello, were traveling home from Lexington, Kentucky and their vehicle was struck at the intersection of KY 461 and KY 150 in Rockcastle County.
According to a press release issued by the Kentucky State Police, a 2003 Chevrolet S-10, driven by Ronald Klein, 19, of Berea, was traveling east on KY 150 when it struck the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Soma.
Cross was riding in the passenger’s seat in the vehicle when it was struck on the passenger side, according to the report.
Cross was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by Rockcastle County Coroner.
Soma, who was transported to Lexington, Kentucky for treatment, sustained injuries to his hand, broken ribs, suffered a concussion and bruised lungs. The injury to his hand and wrist required two surgeries, but he is expected to fully recover.
Klein, the driver of the S-10, was also transported for medical treatment. A passenger in Klein’s vehicle, Jordan Hays, 24, of Berea, refused medical treatment at the scene according to State Police.
Cross was the daughter of Allen and Joyce Cross of Monticello. She worked at the Albany/Clinton County Twin Lakes Wellness Center and was a very familiar face behind the front desk.
Wellness Center Director Pam Ostertag said she will be greatly missed.
“She was a very special girl,” Ostertag said. “She was very smart, very caring, and she was very sweet.”
Ostertag said Cross was involved with the Wayne County Soccer program before the doors opened at the Wellness Center more than a year ago.
“She worked with Todd (Ramsey) through the YMCA program,” Ostertag said. “She was very creative. The way I see it happening is she is going to be an angel for someone. There wasn’t anything bad about her … she was a special person.”
Soma was also an employee at the Wellness Center, and in addition is the head coach for the Clinton County High School Cross Country team. He also worked part-time at the Albany Gardens Inn, a business owned by his family.
Soma is also a member of the Albany Fire Department.
The investigation of the accident is still under investigation by the Kentucky State Police.
Along with the KSP, the Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Monticello Police Department, Rockcastle EMS and Mount Vernon Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Kayli Hadley stood over a register book that was placed at the Albany/Clinton County Wellness Center Monday. The book was placed on a table for anybody who wanted to write a message to Ashley Cross’ family. Cross was killed in a car accident in Rockcastle County on Sunday morning. She had been employed at the Wellness Center during the past year.