IRVINE, Ky. (October 21, 2023) – On October 21, 2023, just before 4:30 P.M., Kentucky State Police, Post 7, Richmond, received a call from the Estill County Emergency Services requesting investigative assistance in regards to a deceased male who had been located on an ATV path on Bicknell Branch Road in Estill County.
KSP Troopers, Detectives, and the Estill County Coroner’s Office responded to the area to investigate.
The initial investigation revealed a family member located Eugene French Jr., 69 years old, from Irvine, KY, unresponsive on an ATV path near Mr. French's residence. The Estill County Coroner's Office pronounced Eugene French Jr., deceased at the scene. The cause of death is under investigation; however, foul play is not suspected.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 Chad Barnes. He was assisted on scene by KSP personnel, Estill County Sheriff's Department, Estill County EMS, and the Estill County Coroner’s Office.
Original Press Release Below
IRVINE, Ky. (October 20, 2023) – Kentucky State Police, Post 7, Richmond, is actively investigating a missing person investigation in Estill County.
A Golden Alert has been issued for Eugene French Jr. "Rick", 69, of Irvine, KY. Mr. French suffers from dimentia and was last seen in the area of Bicknell Branch Road in Estill County just before 4:30 p.m. yesterday evening, October 19, 2023. It is believed that French left his residence on foot, and he is described as a white male, 6’0’’ tall, roughly 175 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and dark blue work pants. He also has a tattoo on his arm "EF". Mr. French could possibly be enroute to Hamilton, Ohio.
Anyone with information about a possible location of Euguen French Jr. is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police, Post 7, at 859-623-2404 or 1-800-222-5555.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 Trooper Chad Barnes.
