PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — A devastating crash in Pike County claimed the life of 78-year-old Wilma Taylor and left two others injured on Sunday afternoon, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Troopers reported that the crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. 23 and Route 32 in Piketon, when a sedan carrying Taylor failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck by a westbound pickup truck. The impact caused severe injuries to both occupants of the sedan.
Taylor, a passenger in the vehicle, was airlifted to Grant Medical Center in Columbus but later died from her injuries. The driver of the sedan was also transported by medical helicopter and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The pickup truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. A child passenger in the pickup was taken to Adena Pike Medical Center for evaluation, but their injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has launched a full investigation into the collision. Authorities have not announced whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the crash.
Emergency crews from Seal Township Volunteer Fire Department, Piketon Police Department, and Portsmouth Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
Taylor’s death has left her family and the Pike County community grieving the sudden loss, while officials continue urging drivers to follow traffic signals and yield signs to help prevent tragedies on Ohio’s roads.