Local News
35-year-old Michael Duncan killed after crash on I-71 in Delaware County
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) has provided new information regarding a tragic three-vehicle collision that occurred Sunday evening on Interstate 71 in Delaware County.
The incident happened around 5 p.m. near the Tanger Outlets and the U.S.-36/State Route 37 exit in Berkshire Township.
According to OSHP, 35-year-old Michael Duncan was driving a black Hyundai Tucson northbound on I-71 when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
Duncan’s vehicle crossed the median, overturned, struck the median cable barrier, and collided head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound.
The Hyundai came to rest in the middle of the southbound lanes, while the Chevrolet veered off the left side of the highway.
A southbound Toyota Tacoma was hit by debris from the collision.
Michael Duncan was pronounced deceased at the scene. OSHP reported that Duncan was not wearing a seatbelt.
- Injured:
- Two passengers in the Hyundai—a 38-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl—sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
- The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Silverado were also seriously injured and hospitalized.
- The driver and passenger of the Toyota Tacoma were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The crash prompted the closure of all southbound lanes of I-71 for approximately three hours as responders worked to clear the scene. Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including:
- Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
- Delaware Fire & EMS
- BST&G Fire and EMS
- Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
OSHP is continuing its investigation to determine what caused Duncan to lose control of the Hyundai. Authorities noted that all individuals, except Duncan, were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of road safety and highlights the collective efforts of first responders in handling such emergencies. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Local News
61-year-old Cynthia Diekema killed by alligator during couple canoe trip in Polk County
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
A tragic and rare fatal alligator attack claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman in Polk County, Florida, during a canoeing trip with her husband on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Cynthia Diekema, a resident of Polk County, was canoeing with her husband at the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee when their vessel drifted over a large alligator in approximately 2.5 feet of water.
Authorities say the animal thrashed violently, causing the canoe to overturn and throwing both occupants into the water.
Officials report that Diekema ended up on top of the alligator during the struggle and was bitten.
Her husband attempted to intervene and rescue her, but the attack proved fatal.
Diekema’s body was later recovered from the water.
FWC confirmed that two large alligators were captured in connection with the incident.
The first, an 11-foot-4-inch specimen believed to have been involved in the attack, was located and euthanized Tuesday night.
A second gator, estimated to be between 10 and 11 feet in length, was captured the following morning as a precaution.
“This is a devastating loss,” said Roger Young, executive director of the FWC, during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that while fatal alligator encounters are extremely uncommon, the tragedy underscores the importance of respecting Florida’s native wildlife.
In response to the incident, FWC has reiterated safety guidance for residents and visitors: avoid swimming in non-designated areas, especially at dawn or dusk, and keep pets and small children away from the water’s edge.
The investigation remains ongoing.