Stolen Vehicle Recovered Near Cumberland Falls After Pursuit Ends in Cliff Fall

CUMBERLAND FALLS, Ky. — A man and woman were seriously injured after fleeing law enforcement in a stolen vehicle Friday night near Cumberland Falls, according to the Kentucky State Police.

KSP Trooper Scottie Pennington said troopers received information around 9:30 p.m. about the location of a stolen vehicle reported out of Laurel County. The vehicle was located near the popular state park.

When a park ranger approached the vehicle, authorities say the driver, identified as Rex Vaughn, 55, of Mount Vernon, and passenger Thelma Travillian, 40, of Williamsburg, were inside. As the ranger attempted to identify the pair, they allegedly tried to flee, ramming the ranger’s emergency vehicle and causing significant damage.

A pursuit was soon initiated by McCreary County Sheriff’s Deputy Dustin Ridner. During the chase, Vaughn reportedly attempted to strike Ridner’s cruiser and managed to evade authorities temporarily.

The vehicle was later found abandoned in a wooded area. Using thermal imaging drones, officers located Vaughn and Travillian, who had fallen from a high cliff while fleeing on foot. Both suffered serious injuries and were transported to Baptist Health Corbin for medical treatment.

Investigators say illegal drugs were recovered at the scene and are believed to have played a role in the incident.

Vaughn faces multiple charges, including receiving stolen property over $10,000, fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, and various drug-related offenses. Travillian has been charged with drug-related offenses, including possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation remains ongoing.