A Pike County sheriff's deputy has died in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. 460 near Marrowbone.

Pike County Sheriff Charles Keesee says 53-year-old James Thacker was still working Monday night, serving papers and on his way home, when he was killed along US 460. Kentucky State Police say 47-year-old David Childers lost control in the opposite direction, colliding head-on with Thacker's cruiser.

Sheriff's office employees say their co-worker and friend will be greatly missed. Sheriff Keesee says Deputy Thacker spent close to 40 years as a deputy in Pike County. He is only the third deputy killed in the line of duty.

To honor Deputy Thacker, flags at the Pike County Courthouse have been lowered to half-staff. Also, the lights and windshield of a police cruiser have been cloaked in black and a wreath has been placed on it.