A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A grieving family is searching for answers after a 27-year-old was found dead Thursday night in a ditch along Vaughn Mill Road in Highview.
A passerby discovered Adam Troutman’s body, setting off a devastating series of events for his loved ones.
His father, Jason Troutman, said Adam had been walking along the road around 11 p.m. Thursday when he was struck. When Adam didn’t return home, the family tried calling him, but instead of their son answering, a deputy coroner picked up.
Jason said he froze in that moment, fearing the worst. Soon after, the family’s fears were confirmed — Adam had died.
The loss has been especially painful given Adam’s hopes for the future. In a journal entry from a few years ago, he outlined a personal life plan, describing himself as kind, respectful, and trustworthy, and expressing a desire to become a loving husband and father. He wrote about loving himself, believing in God, and seeking peace of mind.
His father said Adam wanted what many people do — a stable life and family.
“He wanted to make money and he wanted to have a wife and children and a nice home,” Jason said. “And you know, he was always like, ‘dad, I look up to you. You’re my you know, you’re my role model. I want to be like you.’ I’ve got journals upon journals, and I’m glad I kept them all.”
Now, the Troutman family is coping with profound grief.
Jason said they are supporting each other by staying close, embracing often, and trying to reassure one another during the difficult time.
Their pain has been compounded by unanswered questions about Adam’s death and what followed. Because he did not have identification with him, an autopsy was conducted to confirm his identity. Adam had previously told his father he wanted his brain tested for CTE, a condition linked to repeated head trauma.
“And he always said that if I die before you, I want my brain tested for CTE,” Jason said. “And I said, ‘well, Adam, there’s a real good chance that I’m probably not going to die before you, but, you know, I’ll, you know, pass the word along.’ Well, unfortunately, he passed away before me. So, unfortunately, I guess the way things work, if you come in unidentified, they go ahead and do a full blown autopsy.”
CTE testing can only be performed during an autopsy, and a specialist traveled from Boston to conduct it. However, when the specialist arrived, the family said they were informed there was no brain available to test, leaving them confused.
The family is also seeking answers about the crash itself. They believe someone may have information, whether it’s a driver who noticed damage to a vehicle or someone who heard details about the incident.
For now, they are left grieving and searching for clarity. They are urging anyone with information about what happened along Vaughn Mill Road Thursday night to come forward.
Jason Troutman is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. A GoFundMe has also been created to help cover funeral expenses.
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