3 adults injured after sign crushed car in KY Denny parking lot

ELIZABETHTOWN, Kentucky — A beloved Kentucky grandmother died Thursday afternoon after a freak accident in Elizabethtown.

Lillian Mae Curtis, 72, her husband Lloyd Eugene Curtis Sr. and their daughter Mary Graham were on their way back after picking up Lloyd at UofL Hospital. He recently had heart surgery and was in hospice and was given three months to live.

Then, out of nowhere, tragedy struck.

Officials said a massive Denny’s sign fell on their car and crushed it in the restaurant’s parking lot. Upon arrival, Hardin EMS, the Elizabethtown Fire Department and Elizabethtown Police found them in the car and they had to be pulled out by the fire department.

Lillian was taken to UofL Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Her family said the neurosurgeon said she had “catastrophic head injuries” and was “inoperable.” She was in the back seat at the time of the accident.

“The doctors said it was absolutely instantaneous and there was no way her body could have felt any pain,” said Lillian and Lloyd’s granddaughter and Graham’s daughter, Mary Howard.

Graham has five broken ribs and a concussion. She is currently being treated at the UofL Hospital while Lloyd is back in the Jewish Hospital.

The family said the on-site officer said it was an old sign and was missing a bolt and was rusted. the National Weather Service (NWS) said winds in Elizabethtown were gusting up to 40 mph, possibly higher, at the time of the accident.

Howard said her mother should be discharged from the hospital soon. As soon as that happens, she said, they go straight to their grandfather in Jewish.

The family said they were less concerned about their injuries and more concerned about the trauma they witnessed.

“It’s definitely not something to really think about,” Howard said. “I don’t know if the shock has worn off – or the fact that we’re going home and life will go on without her.”

Howard said the family relies on their faith.

“Following their example and loving God and loving people,” she said.

Family members call Lillian a compassionate woman with a short-tempered personality.

“She hurt your feelings and then complimented you,” Howard said. “She wouldn’t want to kick your ass and then cheer you up afterwards. She was unique.”

Lillian’s granddaughters say they want everyone to know that she loved the Lord and her family. She was married to Lloyd for more than 50 years and the couple had more than a dozen great-grandchildren.

A spokesman for Denny’s issued an official statement on Friday morning, stating:

“Denny’s is aware of the incident that occurred at our Elizabethtown location on Thursday. Safety is our top priority and we are working with authorities to better understand what has led to this situation. Our thoughts are to everyone involved.”

If you would like to support the family during this difficult time, Graham a GoFundMe.

Make it easy to stay up to date with more stories like this one. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android User.

Do you have a news tip? E-mail Assign@whas11.comvisit our Facebook site or Twitter feed.