Local News
35-year-old Chelsea Miller killed in two-car crash along State Route 173 in Perry Township
Authorities with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are conducting an ongoing investigation into a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred Tuesday afternoon along State Route 173 in Perry Township, resulting in the death of one driver and serious injuries to another.
According to an official news release, the crash took place at approximately 2:40 p.m. on April 14 near mile marker 11.
Preliminary findings indicate that a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by 78-year-old Shirley Rill of Salem, was traveling along the roadway when it crossed left of the center line for reasons that remain under investigation.
The vehicle subsequently collided with an oncoming 2013 Nissan Rogue driven by 35-year-old Chelsea Miller of Lisbon.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene and transported both drivers to area hospitals for treatment.
Miller sustained critical injuries in the crash and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Rill was transported to a separate medical facility, where she remains in serious condition.
The collision prompted the temporary closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes of State Route 173 as first responders worked to secure the scene, assist victims, and conduct preliminary investigative procedures.
The roadway has since been fully reopened to traffic.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Perry Township Police Department, the Columbiana County Coronerโs Office, Perry Township Fire Department and EMS, Damascus Fire Department and EMS, Salem Fire and EMS, and EMT Ambulance services.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation by OSHP, and no further details have been released at this time.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at UrbanaโChampaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. โ A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coronerโs Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coronerโs Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguezโs death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguezโs death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.