Category Archives: Tragedy

Fire Destroys Riverside Dorm

Posted on December 26, 2025 by sdbowling

A fast-moving fire destroyed the boys’ dorm and the home of Doran Hosteler on the campus of Riverside. The community and organizations played a crucial role in the recovery.
Discover one of the many challenges that Riverside Christian School faced and overcame. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Disasters, Education, Fire, Flood, Religion, Riverside Christian School, Schools, Tragedy, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Christmas Lynching

Posted on December 25, 2025 by sdbowling

A long-running feud between two families led to a bloody jail raid and murder on Christmas Day. Learn about the events from this spectacular trial from 1929. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Breathitt High School, Feuds, Jackson, Murder, Politics, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wife Shoots Husband – Murder or Suicide?

Posted on December 21, 2025 by sdbowling

Peter Combs was shot on the steps leading to his apartment in 1948 by his wife. She was acquitted of the “suicide” by a Breathitt County jury. Learn about this unusual case, often cited as an example of “mountain justice.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson, Murder, Tragedy, United States Army | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Bad” Bill’s Homecoming

Posted on January 21, 2025 by sdbowling

Bill Bailey was a well-known “bad man” along the banks of Frozen Creek. He met his match in December 1910. Continue reading →

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Wreck Killed Five From Breathitt

Posted on November 13, 2024 by sdbowling

Five members of a Breathitt County family were killed in a tragic train crash in 1912. Learn more about the accident that claimed the Chaney family of Haddix. Continue reading →

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John P. Gum

Posted on October 29, 2024 by sdbowling

Soldier of the Week
John P. Gum
5th Kentucky Mounted Infantry
Confederate States Army Continue reading →

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The End of Cood

Posted on October 3, 2024 by sdbowling

Cood Bowling took a lethal dose of morphine in the Breathitt County Jail allegedly to stop the ghost of his victim from visiting. Learn more about this little remembered Breathitt County tragedy. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Middle Fork, Murder, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nada Tunnel Opens

Posted on September 20, 2024 by sdbowling

For more than 113 years, the Nada Tunnel served as a gateway to the Red River Valley and the rich natural resources that lay beyond. Continue reading →

Posted in Accidents, Daniel Boone National Forest, Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiker Challenge, Industry, Railroad, Red River Gorge, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail, Timber, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

White Vans and the 1988 Panic

Posted on August 9, 2024 by sdbowling

A disturbed grave in a local cemetery led to a state-wide hysteria related to rumors and fears. Learn about Jackson’s 1988 “Satanic Panic.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Entertainment, Jackson, Tragedy, Unexplained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vancleve Plane Crash Killed Six

Posted on July 7, 2024 by sdbowling

On July 7, 1963, a single-engine crash near Vancleve killed all six onboard. Learn more about this nearly forgotten tragedy and its only remaining mark in Breathitt County. Continue reading →

Posted in Accidents, Breathitt County, Disasters, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment