Louisville dentist charged in death of southern Indiana woman

By Lindsay English - bio | email  
Posted by Charles Gazaway - email

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - The Clark County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death of a woman who was run over by a pickup truck in Utica, Indiana. As WAVE 3's Lindsay English reports, investigators say the man responsible, a Louisville dentist, is now behind bars in connection with the woman's death.

It was around 9 p.m. Friday when the Clark County Sheriff's Department was alerted about a hit-and-run.

"We had a call to an accident outside the Conservation Club in Utica, which is on Conservation Drive," says Clark County Sheriff Daniel Rodden.

Officers say a fight between 60-year-old Michael Mathis and 47-year-old Pamela Fay, a former couple, had broken out in the club.

"They were inside the club, had an altercation. Mr. Mathis, I think, tried to get away from Miss Fay. In doing so, he got in his truck. She jumped in front of his truck and wouldn't let him pass," Rodden said.

According to Rodden, Mathis continued to try and drive away.

"Evidently, what happened is she fell and was struck by the vehicle," says Rodden.

Fay was rushed to University Hospital in Louisville, where she later died from her injuries.

"Her liver was lacerated. Her lungs were crushed. They tried to save her but they weren't able to do so," Rodden said.

Officers took Mathis into custody at his Utica home.

"He didn't realize, from what he recalled, that he even hit her, according to his statement," says Rodden.

Still Mathis, a dentist who practices in the 3000 block of Bardstown Road in Louisville, was arrested and is being held throughout the weekend without bond in the Clark County Jail until he appears in court Monday. Mathis is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and causing serious bodily injury or death.

Investigators are still looking into whether alcohol played a factor in this incident. Mathis had blood drawn following his arrest, standard practice in accidents like this one. Those test results are expected in the next several weeks. Clark County prosecutor Steve Stewart is expected to review the case Sunday.