(March 9, 2015) A mother and daughter were killed Saturday morning on the westbound side of Carroll C. Cropper Bridge in Kentucky.
The victims were identified by the Boone County Coroner’s Office as Elaine Ludwig, 59, and Amanda Ludwig, 18. Amanda was a freshman at Indiana University.
According to police, the Ludwig’s Pontiac Grand Prix was stopped in the right lane of the bridge when it was rear-ended by a tractor trailer.
The impact caused the vehicle to burst into flames. Amanda and Elaine died as a result of the impact and fire, but Boone County Deputy Coroner Missy Rittinger said she could not confirm the cause of death
Police said the driver of the crashed USF Holland tractor trailer, Ronnie York, 63, of Greenwood, Ind., was uninjured in the accident.
The Ludwig family released the following statement late Sunday night:
“Amanda Ludwig was an 18-year old graduate of Northwest High School and was and an excellent student, friend, and family member. She was thrilled to be a freshman at Indiana University in Bloomington and had become a member of the Theta Phi Alpha sorority where she quickly made great friendships. She was well-known to everyone as an extremely caring person and was studying to become a Physician’s Assistant after graduation. Amanda is survived by her father, her long-time boyfriend serving away in the US Marines, her aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large group of friends who love her and will miss her very much.
“Elaine was 59-years old. She was from Western Hills and graduated from Mother of Mercy High School in 1974. She and her husband worked to have a baby for years before being blessed with the arrival of their only child, Amanda, who was the center of Elaine’s universe. Elaine Ludwig was a tremendous mother, sister, aunt, the best Cookie Mom that Amanda’s Girl Scout troop has ever had, and a friend to any animal in need.
“Our thoughts are also with the driver of the truck involved in the accident. We don’t yet know the results of the investigation, but whatever they may be, the individual driving the tractor-trailer must be suffering a great deal, and we hope that he is able to find some peace during this time.
“We’re grateful for the outpouring of emotion and support from friends, family, and the community during this time. Thank you for your love and prayers.
“The funeral is tentatively planned for Friday, March 13. Services will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes in Westwood.
“Those interested in sending flowers, please instead consider making a donation in Elaine and Amanda’s honor to the Humane Society for Hamilton County. Perhaps a little happiness can be brought into the lives of some local families while we support each other through this incredibly painful tragedy.”
At this time, the investigation is still ongoing.
