Sheriff Dallas Baldwin states the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic crash which occurred today at approximately 4:17 AM in Madison Township. A 2019 Ford Escape was travelling northbound on Winchester Pike at Daglow Road. The vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking north in the northbound lane on Winchester Pike. The pedestrian struck was identified as Avante L. Brown, age 29 of Columbus, Ohio who was walking with Miranda Johnson, age 25 of Columbus, Ohio. Miranda Johnson was not struck by the vehicle and was uninjured, however Mr. Brown was transported to Grant Hospital where he later died of his injuries. The driver of the Ford Escape was identified as Deborah Rhodeback, age 65, of Groveport, Ohio and was uninjured.
It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this crash. The driver was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. This incident remains under investigation.