Man struck in head-on collision here dies

The Advocate has learned the Flemingsburg man who was in criticical condition at UK Hospital following a head-on collision here has died.

Brittany Sosnowski, wife of Robert Sosnowski, 41, shared on social media today that Robert "went home to be with the Lord" this morning. He was "surrounded by people who loved him. He passed peacefully and comfortably on comfort care."

Brittany previously told the Advocate her husband was on his way to work the morning of the collision.

Matthew Bliffen, 23, of Sharpsburg, is facing charges following the accident, which ocurred Saturday, Oct. 24, on Ky. 11 North (the 7200 block of Maysville Road) near the Montgomery/Bath County line. 

Montgomery County Sheriff David Charles said the head-on collision was reported at 5:27 a.m. Charles said the accident occurred in the emergency lane on the west side of the roadway about a quarter of a mile from the Bath/Montgomery line.

Based upon investigation, Charles said it appeared Bliffen crossed over two lanes of traffic and struck Sosnowski. Sosnowski reportedly attempted to avoid the collision by moving into the emergency lane.

Bliffen was initially charged with attempted murder, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to render aid or assistance with death or serious physical injury, possession of an open alcohol container in motor vehicle and no registration plates. 

Charles told the Advocate today charges for Bliffen will be upgraded. See this week's Advocate for additional details.

Brittany said Robert wanted to give others the gift of life through organ donation.

"Sadly, the damage inside his body was too severe for him to donate. His willingness to help someone else says so much about the man he was," she wrote.

"He was a good man, a hardworking farmer and a husband I was proud to build a life beside. He was my partner, my love and the man I dreamed with. I don’t know how to put into words what it means to face life without him," Brittany added.

Brittany asked the public to update emergency contact information at work in her husband's honor.

"Check the names and phone numbers, and make sure the right person can be reached when it matters most."

She asks her family be given time to grieve and "begin to process this heartbreaking loss. We are grateful for every prayer, every message and everyone who has loved us through this. I may not be able to respond, but your love is felt," Brittany wrote.

"Robert, I wish we had more time. Thank you for the life we built together. I love you, always," Brittany concluded.

Last week, Brittany issued a statement to the Advocate that said, "His condition remains critical, and his health care team has told us he has gotten worse."

She said doctors had described Robert as being in a vegetative state and that they did not expect him to come out of it. She noted her family was holding on to hope there could still be a chance and that the family was placing its trust in God.

She thanked her husband's health care team, first responders and everyone else who had offered support.

A GoFundMe fundraising campaign has been started on behalf of the family. It's raised more than $9,000 to date.

The GoFundMe description sayid Robert's phone alerted authorities about the accident.

"Thanks to Apple iPhone crash detection, emergency services were alerted immediately, a feature that may have helped save Robert that day," the GoFundMe page says.

Robert and Brittany recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of purchasing a farm, where they care for more than 140 animals, according to GoFundMe.

The GoFundMe description noted Brittany had remained by her husband's side at the hospital since the call came in.

"Their farm is an hour and a half from the hospital, and that distance brings continuing gas costs, food expenses and the constant responsibility of keeping the farm and animals cared for ...," the page says. 

Funds will help with the hospital-related costs, ongoing needs of the farm, etc.

You can donate by visiting
https://gofund.me/56196f47b

The fundraiser is organized by Joann Smith.