Terri Lynn Hayes Obituary, Death – A tragic wrong-way crash on Ronald Reagan Highway in Blue Ash late Saturday night claimed the life of a Cincinnati woman and injured several others, police said.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. near the Blue Ash Road overpass when a vehicle traveling east in the westbound lanes collided head-on with another car. Police identified the victim as 59-year-old Terri Lynn Hayes of Cincinnati, who died at the scene.
Two other individuals in the second vehicle sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital. Authorities have not disclosed their conditions.
Suspected Impairment in the Crash
While police did not specify which vehicle was traveling the wrong way, they suspect that the driver responsible for the crash was impaired. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
Second Crash at the Scene
As officers investigated the initial crash, a second incident occurred. An impaired driver drove through the blocked-off crash site and struck a Blue Ash police cruiser. The officer inside the vehicle was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was arrested at the scene for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI).
Police Chief’s Statement
Blue Ash Police Chief Scott Noel expressed frustration over the incidents, emphasizing the preventable nature of impaired driving accidents. “These incidents are totally preventable,” he said. “Please do not get behind the wheel when you are impaired and have a designated driver.”
Highway Closure and Investigation
The crash and subsequent investigation led to the closure of Ronald Reagan Highway for approximately five hours. Police continue to gather evidence and assess the circumstances surrounding both crashes.
A Preventable Tragedy
The back-to-back incidents highlight the ongoing dangers of impaired driving, which poses a significant risk to everyone on the road. Authorities urge drivers to take precautions, such as arranging for a designated driver or using rideshare services, to avoid such tragedies in the future.
Terri Lynn Hayes’ death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving, leaving a community grieving and police reiterating the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel.