Published 11:03 pm Friday, January 2, 2026
By John Henson
By Jennifer McDaniels
Harlan Enterprise
A single-vehicle accident that happened on New Year’s Eve in Bell County claimed the life of a Totz woman. Debra Abner, 68, a life-long resident of Harlan County, died from injuries she sustained in the crash, which reportedly occurred some time after 2:20 p.m. on Dec. 31 on KY 25E near the Pizza Hut restaurant in Pineville.
A native of Benham, Abner had lived mainly in Tots. She was the daughter of the late Eugene and Anna Stewart Lay, who had also been long time residents of Totz. According to her obituary provided by Tri-City Funeral Home, Abner was described as “a very humble person, willing to help anybody. She loved cooking and was always looking for new recipes to try.” Abner was described by family and friends as caring and unselfish. She was known in Totz and beyond for her compassion and generosity.
According to officials from the Pineville City Police Department, Abner had been ejected from her vehicle as a result of the crash, which was reported to be a white Pontiac SUV. Police reported she was transported a small distance to the Pineville Community Health Center (PCHC), but was pronounced dead at the hospital by the Bell County Coroner’s Office.
Abner’s family is in shock from the unexpected and tragic fatal crash – especially since Abner lost her own daughter only three months ago from an illness. Family said of Abner that she always thought about everyone else before herself and that her late daughter was just like her. It’s a double tragedy that has left the family in much grief.
Besides her parents, Abner was preceded in death by her daughter, Candice Abner Brackett, who died in late September after a long illness. Her daughter’s passing made headlines in regional news as she was a beloved first grade and kindergarten teacher at Colony Elementary School near London. She was widely known for her outreach to underprivileged children. Abner was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael Lay.
Abner is survived by her husband, Randy Abner; her son, Chris Abner and wife, Amy; and two sisters, Cheryl Lay and Kathy Fox. A visitation for family and friends will be held in the chapel of the Tri-City Funeral Home on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Responding to the scene of the fatal New Year’s Eve car crash were the Pineville City Police and PIneville Fire departments, Bell County EMS and Bell Rescue Squad. The Bell County Rescue Squad page was canceled once it was determined there was no entrapment.

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