Published on April 23, 2026
Sheriff Dallas Baldwin states that the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal injury traffic crash that occurred at approximately 12:47 am on 04/23/26. A black 2023 Audi A3 was southbound on IR 270. A red 2017 Chevy Cruze 2009 appears to have been northbound in the southbound lanes of IR 270. The Chevy Struck the Audi head on causing severe damage. Deputies from Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, officers from Columbus Police Department and fire and medics from City of Westerville responded to the scene. The driver and only occupant of the Audi was transported in critical condition to Mount Carmel East Hospital. The driver and only occupant of the Chevy was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Chevy was pronounced deceased by Mount Carmel Hospital staff at 1:32 am. The driver of the Audi is still critical at the time of this release.
Crews are on scene at this time clearing the vehicles to open the freeway.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash.
Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113.