Two Motorcyclists and Three Others Killed in Columbus Overnight Crashes, Including Hit-and-Run
Columbus, OH – On Sunday, Columbus experienced a devastating series of crashes that claimed the lives of five individuals. Four separate incidents occurred, with three taking place on the northern side of the city, as confirmed by Columbus police. Victims included two motorcyclists, a passenger ejected from a vehicle, and a woman who was struck while standing outside her car.
Two Motorcyclists Killed in State Route 161 Crash
The first tragic incident occurred early in the morning on State Route 161, eastbound near Interstate 270. A collision involving multiple cars resulted in the deaths of two motorcyclists. Police confirmed that both motorcyclists were thrown from their bikes, though the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. The crash happened at 1:44 a.m., with both motorcyclists being pronounced dead at the scene by 1:53 a.m. Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims.
Passenger Ejected in Fatal Crash on Interstate 71
In another deadly crash around 2 a.m., a passenger lost their life on Interstate 71 southbound, near State Route 161. Authorities suspect alcohol played a role in the crash, which occurred when a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by a high-speed, swerved off the road. The SUV hit a concrete culvert, ejecting the passenger who was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was critically injured and taken to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.
Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run on Interstate 71
A third fatality occurred around 3:24 a.m. when 23-year-old Tania Irvin, who was outside her disabled vehicle on the side of Interstate 71 northbound near East North Broadway Street, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. Police report that after her car collided with the median, Irvin was walking in the left lane when she was hit by a passing vehicle. Tragically, another car struck her as she lay in the roadway, with both drivers fleeing the scene.
South Side Crash Claims Another Life
The final crash of the day took place at 2:35 p.m. on Champion Avenue near Frebis Avenue, when 67-year-old Michael Rooney was fatally injured. Police say a pickup truck, driven by 39-year-old Russell Ingram, was speeding at 65-70 mph, well above the 35 mph speed limit, when it collided with Rooney’s vehicle. Ingram, suspected of being under the influence of drugs and driving without a valid license, struck both Rooney’s car and several parked vehicles. Rooney succumbed to his injuries at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where Ingram was also taken for treatment. Ingram was arrested for unrelated warrants after being stabilized.
Investigation and Appeals for Information
The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating these crashes. Anyone with information, especially those who witnessed or were involved in these incidents, is urged to contact (614) 645-4767. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.
These tragic events underscore the importance of safe driving, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding each fatal crash.
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