Authorities in Clermont County are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred early Sunday morning and are asking the public for help as they work to identify the vehicle involved.
According to a statement from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Batavia Post, the incident happened at approximately 4 a.m. along Bethel-New Richmond Road, east of U.S. 52 in Ohio Township.
Troopers responding to the area discovered an unresponsive person in the roadway. Authorities confirmed that the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials later identified the pedestrian as 19-year-old Jayden Nelson. Investigators believe he was struck by a vehicle that left the area before emergency crews arrived.
At this time, authorities say the vehicle involved has not yet been identified. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence from the roadway and surrounding areas as they work to determine what happened.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol says the crash remains under active investigation. Troopers are reviewing available information and following leads that could help identify the driver and vehicle involved in the incident.
Officials are also asking members of the public to come forward if they may have witnessed anything in the area around the time of the crash. Anyone who may have seen a vehicle traveling along Bethel-New Richmond Road early Sunday morning or who has relevant information is encouraged to contact the Batavia Post.
Community cooperation, authorities say, can play a critical role in helping investigators piece together events and locate those responsible in hit-and-run cases.
As the investigation continues, residents are left seeking answers and hoping for accountability.
With investigators now asking for tips from the public, one question remains: can information from the community help authorities identify the driver involved in this early-morning hit-and-run?
