Life story
May 15, 2003
A swollen creek claimed the life of a Fleming County teenager late Thursday night on May 15, 2003. James D. Hamilton, 17, was driving Kentucky 559 when his vehicle hydroplaned through standing water in the road and overturned, police said. The vehicle landed in Wilson Run Creek in Wallingford. A report released by the Fleming County Sheriff's office said "the creek was out of its banks due to heavy rain." The Ponitac Grand Am landed in the creek upside down causing Devin to drown. When Devin was suspected as missing, Devin's mother found the overturned car but no sign of her son. The Fleming County Rescue Squad and Deputy Eddie Vice conducted a search for Devin. Divers from the local area and Rowan County were called in to search for the missing teen as well. Divers found the body around 11 p.m. Devin was pronounced dead at 11:26 p.m. Devin was a Fleming County High School student and was described as a "principal's dream." He played the saxophone and was a member of the band and the National Honorary Band Society. Devin is survived by his mother and father, Betty and James, and his sister, Jamie. Devin's funeral was held on May 19, 2003 at the Hutton Funeral Home in Hillsboro. He was buried in the Hillsboro cemetary.
