‘They just don’t come no better than Luke did’: Montgomery County mourns 19-year-old killed in crash

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - The Montgomery County community is mourning the loss of one of their own after a 19-year-old died in a crash in Powell County on Tuesday.

The Powell County Coroner said Luke Pierce’s truck ran off the side of Morris Creek Road in Stanton and into a valley. Water on the road caused the truck to hydroplane and lose control.

Pierce graduated from Montgomery County High School in 2025 and signed on to be part of the bass fishing team at the University of Pikeville. He had just wrapped up his first year in college before that crash took his life.

Coaches remember Pierce’s impact

Christopher Cobb, an assistant bass fishing coach who coached Pierce in middle school and watched him grow throughout high school, said a former student angler broke the news to him.

“I did not sleep well. I did not sleep. I was saddened. I was saddened. He was too young to have passed away at this point,” Cobb said.

Cobb said Pierce made an impact on everyone he met.

“Anyone that met him, whether it be at the flower shop helping his mom or you know at the boat dock helping others try to get their gear together or sharing tips or ideas. He was inviting people to be part of something that he had a passion for,” Cobb said.

Pierce was a leader on the fishing team and in the 4H shooting club.

“Getting to see him grow throughout those years were special,” Cobb said.

A decade of memories

Gene Nornhold knew Pierce for 10 years and will be one of his pallbearers.

“Luke was one of them guys anytime I don’t care anytime he ever said bye to me he hugged me just like a father,” Nornhold said.

Nornhold called Pierce a giver who will be missed in Mount Sterling and beyond.

“Luke was a young man that would be there for you and Luke never expected anything in return,” Nornhold said. “Luke has been raised well very very mature I mean just just just a super kid. I mean they just don’t come no better than Luke did.”

Nornhold said the community has been in shock since the crash.

Luke’s celebration of life is Monday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at Living Water Church in Mount Sterling. There will be a lantern release at sunset.

His coaches said they are continuing to keep Pierce’s family in their prayers.