Carol Cunningham Obituary, Death – A tragic crash in Ross County claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman Monday afternoon near Chillicothe. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the two-vehicle accident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 23 and DeBord Road in Huntington Township.
Investigators reported that a Ford F-350 pickup truck was traveling southwest on Route 23 at the time of the collision. At the same moment, a Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 70-year-old Carol Cunningham, was attempting to cross the southbound lane of Route 23 from DeBord Road in order to head north. Authorities believe Cunningham did not yield properly at the intersection, causing her vehicle to move into the path of the Ford. The impact between the two vehicles was forceful, leading to significant damage and injuries.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist the victims. Cunningham was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for urgent medical treatment. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of first responders and hospital staff, she was later pronounced dead from her injuries.
The driver of the Ford F-350 and two passengers inside the vehicle also sustained injuries in the crash. Officials described their conditions as minor, and all three were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and care. Their identities have not been released at this time.
The OSHP has confirmed that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Investigators will examine all contributing factors, including vehicle speeds, road conditions, and the possibility of driver error. Early reports, however, indicate that failure to yield at the intersection played a central role in the accident.
Crashes at intersections are among the most common types of roadway collisions and often result in serious consequences when drivers misjudge gaps in traffic or fail to follow right-of-way laws. The U.S. Route 23 corridor is known as a heavily traveled roadway, with frequent intersections that can be dangerous if caution is not used.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to remain attentive when approaching intersections, particularly on high-speed roads like Route 23. Yielding appropriately and ensuring the roadway is clear before crossing or turning is critical to avoiding tragic outcomes such as this one.
Carol Cunningham’s death marks another reminder of the dangers drivers face daily and the importance of adhering to traffic safety laws. While OSHP continues its investigation, no additional details regarding possible charges or further actions have been announced.
For now, the community is left grieving the loss of Cunningham, whose life was tragically cut short in the collision. Authorities encourage anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact OSHP as the investigation continues.
This accident highlights how a single moment on the roadway can have devastating consequences, reinforcing the need for vigilance, patience, and care from every driver.
