Campbell County Man, 29, Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on Calohan Road

Acie Dylan Francis, 29, died in a single-vehicle crash on Calohan Road in Campbell County on Friday, Oct. 30. Police said Francis was on his way to his job at Adams Construction when the accident occurred.

Francis had recently been accepted into a welding program, a step forward in a career path he was actively building. He worked on a road crew for Adams Construction and was in the process of expanding his professional training.

His mother, Karen Honaker, described their relationship as particularly close. A GoFundMe page created by Rikki McConnell noted that Honaker was only 16 years old when she gave birth to Francis. McConnell wrote that Honaker raised her son while still navigating her own youth, determined to provide for him despite the challenges.

"Karen was figuring out how to raise a child while she was still a child herself," McConnell wrote in the tribute. She added that Honaker did not have an easy road but was committed to giving Francis everything she could.

Francis was known for his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed mountain biking, riding four-wheelers, and spending time at the river with his mother. His obituary noted a specific interest in local history and genealogy, often immersing himself in stories from the past. He also had a reputation for storytelling, using humor and wit to entertain family members.

Friends and family recalled his sweet tooth, which earned him the nickname "Cookie Monster." He frequently mixed cereal with candy and chocolate chip cookies. Beyond his immediate family, Francis was a central figure for the children in his life, who considered him a close friend and steady presence.

Honaker posted a tribute on Facebook following his death, stating she was proud of the man he had become. McConnell said Francis had once doubted he would reach the age of 30, but after changing his life, he began looking forward to the milestone. Honaker wrote that his plans, and the plans they had made together, had been taken away.

"I'm thankful for him moving back home with me but I'm angry and feel cheated for myself, our family, and for him," Honaker wrote.