Local News
50-Year-Old Heather Blair Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash in Crawford County
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ohio — Authorities have identified Heather Blair, 50, of Mansfield, as the victim killed in a three-vehicle crash Saturday morning along U.S. Route 30 east of Ohio 598, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
The collision occurred shortly before 11:09 a.m., involving a 2015 Dodge Caravan, a 2002 Hyundai Tucson, and a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer.
Investigators say the incident began when the Hyundai, driven by James Stevens, 74, of Akron, attempted to pass the semi-truck operated by Mahamud S. Ali, 29, of Columbus.
During the maneuver, Stevens reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veering into the outer westbound lane before coming to rest along the shoulder facing east.
Authorities stated the semi-truck driver observed the loss of control and slowed rapidly to avoid a collision.
Moments later, the Dodge Caravan, driven by Jeremy Hollar, 41, of Mansfield, collided with the left rear of the semi-truck, causing significant damage.
The Caravan came to rest partially in the roadway, facing north.
Heather Blair, a passenger in the Caravan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional passengers in the Caravan — David Thompson, 54, of Ashland, and Blake McWilliams, 31, of Mansfield — sustained serious injuries and were transported to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Their current conditions have not been released.
The driver, Jeremy Hollar, was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Two juvenile passengers in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and were transported for evaluation.
Authorities confirmed that the drivers of the Hyundai and the semi-truck, as well as a passenger in the Hyundai, were not injured.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Galion Fire Department, Crestline Fire Department, Jefferson Township Fire Department, the Crawford County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, including its Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit.
The damaged Caravan was removed by Ronk’s Towing, while the other vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine all contributing factors.
No additional details have been released at this time.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — 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 Coroner’s 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 Coroner’s 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 Rodriguez’s 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 Rodriguez’s 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.