LUCASVILLE, Ohio — A devastating car crash in Scioto County has claimed a fourth life, according to the Ohio Highway Patrol. The accident, which occurred on May 24, had already resulted in the tragic deaths of three young children.
The incident unfolded last Friday around 1:30 PM on Route 104. Gage A. Smith, 22, of Piketon, was driving a 1994 Chevy Cavalier northbound when he lost control of his vehicle after overtaking another car. Smith’s car veered into the opposite lane, colliding with a southbound 1994 Ford F-350 truck driven by Tyler M. Bellaw, 29, also from Piketon.
Courtney D. Copas, 28, a passenger in Smith’s car, was airlifted to Grant Hospital after initial treatment at Southern Ohio Medical Center. The patrol confirmed that Copas later succumbed to her injuries. The crash also claimed the lives of three children: Navy A. Copas, 4, Madison Q. Copas, 6, and Xavier A. Smith, 5.
Smith, who is suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash, is currently in custody at the Scioto County Jail. He faces three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and one count of aggravated vehicular assault. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming.