CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred just before noon today on US Route 23 near milepost 17 in Ross County.
According to authorities, the crash happened at approximately 11:47 a.m. when a 2017 Toyota RAV4, driven by 61-year-old Scott D. Stephenson of Chillicothe, veered across the median into the southbound lanes. His vehicle collided with a 2023 Volkswagen VNR semi-truck driven by Jerrod M. Powell, 23, also of Chillicothe.
Emergency responders transported all three individuals involved to Adena Regional Medical Center. Mr. Stephenson was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His passenger, 59-year-old Jamie L. Stephenson, was airlifted to Grant Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. Mr. Powell sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Adena.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Green Township Fire and EMS, VA Fire and EMS, Union Township Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Ross County Emergency Management Agency assisted at the scene.
US Route 23 was temporarily closed for about an hour and a half before reopening. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.