The town of Hodgenville, Kentucky, is mourning the heartbreaking and sudden loss of Charlene Preslee-Kay Sipes, lovingly known as “Charlie.” A vibrant, imaginative, and kind-hearted 9-year-old, Charlene tragically passed away on May 6, 2025—her birthday—following a freak bicycle accident near her family’s home. Her death has sent waves of grief through the community, leaving friends, family, classmates, and neighbors in deep sorrow over the loss of such a cherished young life.
A Tragic Accident on a Day Meant for Celebration
According to LaRue County Sheriff Russell McCoy, Charlene was riding her bicycle when she struck a curb and lost control. In a freak and unforeseeable accident, the metal brake lever of the handlebars pierced her neck, severing a major artery. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the injuries were too severe. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
What should have been a joyful celebration of her 9th birthday became a day of unimaginable grief.
A Child Full of Light, Wonder, and Dreams
Charlene was a third-grade student at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, where she was known for her love of learning, boundless curiosity, and generous spirit. Her teacher, Mrs. Amanda Harp, shared, “Charlie was a spark in our classroom—eager to learn, always ready with a question, and filled with kindness. She made every day brighter.”
Charlene had big dreams. She aspired to become a scientist who could “save the Earth,” reflecting her passion for nature, animals, and the environment. She adored butterflies, was fascinated by the moon, and often filled her time writing stories and drawing. She had an imagination that soared and a heart that embraced everyone she met.
A Devastated Family and Community
Charlene is survived by her mother, Tiffany Fischer, and her four siblings, who are deeply grieving the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. Tiffany shared a powerful tribute online, writing:
“This isn’t supposed to be real. I don’t know how to do this without you. You were the sun. You were my stars. My everything. I love you more, baby.”
The Hodgenville community has rallied around the family with an outpouring of love and support. A GoFundMe campaign titled “In Memory of Charlie” has raised thousands to cover funeral expenses and support the family, far surpassing its goal. A memorial near the accident site has grown with flowers, balloons, artwork, and handwritten notes from classmates and friends—small but powerful reminders of the lives Charlie touched.
Honoring Charlie’s Memory and Dreams
In tribute to her passion for learning and her dream of making the world a better place, Charlene’s family is establishing the Charlene Sipes Memorial Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science and environmental studies. This enduring gift reflects her hope-filled vision for the future and ensures that her impact continues through others.
Funeral Arrangements
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bennett-Bertram Funeral Home in Hodgenville. The family has chosen cremation in accordance with their wishes.
All who knew and loved Charlene are invited to attend and celebrate her short but meaningful life. The family asks for continued prayers, support, and privacy as they navigate their grief.
A Light That Will Never Go Out
Though her time on Earth was tragically brief, Charlene “Charlie” Sipes left an impact that will endure in the hearts of those who knew her. Her compassion, laughter, and imagination were gifts to everyone she met. As her community mourns her passing, they also celebrate the beauty of her life and the legacy she leaves behind.
Rest in peace, sweet Charlie. Your light still shines, and your memory will never fade.
