UPDATE: Morehead Man Identified as Victim of Fatal Fall at Lockegee Rock
ROWAN COUNTY, Ky. — Saturday, October 10, 2026 — The Rowan County Coroner's Office has identified the man who died following an overnight incident at Lockegee Rock as Dustin L. Barker, 46, of Morehead.
The identification was released Saturday afternoon after Barker's next of kin had been notified.
In its updated press release, the coroner's office described the incident as a fall involving two individuals at the popular Rowan County scenic overlook.
According to Rowan County Coroner John Northcutt, Morehead Police Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 12:47 a.m. Saturday reporting that a male and female had been discovered at the foot of the Lockegee Rock formation.
Two individuals who were hiking in the area discovered the victims and contacted emergency services.
Rowan County EMS, the Morehead Fire Department, Farmers Fire Department, and the Rowan County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene.
Upon reaching the victims, emergency personnel determined that Barker was deceased.
The female victim was transported by Rowan County EMS to a designated helicopter landing zone, where she was airlifted to Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, for further medical treatment.
Her identity and current medical condition have not been released.
Investigation Continues
Although the coroner's updated statement identifies the incident as a fall from Lockegee Rock, officials have not released additional details explaining the circumstances that led to the fall.
The incident remains under investigation by Rowan County Coroner John Northcutt and Detective Robbie Duncan of the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.
Earlier Emergency Response
As previously reported by The Morehead Minute, emergency scanner traffic during the early morning hours indicated that responders were attempting to arrange medical helicopter transportation.
Initial scanner reports suggested that both individuals had sustained head injuries, although those specific injuries have not been officially confirmed.
Limited visibility was also reportedly a concern during the helicopter response.
The Morehead Minute will continue monitoring developments in this case and provide additional updates as information becomes available.
Photo courtesy of the Rowan County Coroner's Office.