Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Mourns Loss of Students, Parents, and Teacher in Tragic I-70 Crash

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three students, two parents, and a teacher who lost their lives in a devastating crash on I-70 on Tuesday. The incident occurred as a charter bus, two commercial vehicles, and two passenger vehicles were traveling westbound on I-70, resulting in a chain-reaction crash. The collision was so severe that at least three vehicles caught fire.

Among the victims were three teenagers who were on the charter bus. They have been identified as John W. Mosley, 18, Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, and Katelyn N. Owens, 15. The school district confirmed that these three teenagers were students. The students, along with other students and chaperones, were en route to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus when the tragic accident occurred.

In addition to the teenagers, the crash claimed the lives of three individuals in one of the passenger vehicles. Sadly, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as Dave Kennat, 56, Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45.

Governor DeWine, while speaking at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 90th anniversary, requested a moment of silence to honor the victims. He expressed his condolences, acknowledging the immense pain felt by the community. He emphasized that this day would be dedicated to mourning the loss of these precious lives.

Governor DeWine personally reached out to the families affected by the tragedy, as well as the superintendent of the Tuscarawas School District. His heartfelt conversations with the parents allowed him to empathize with their anguish, as he shared his own experiences of personal loss.

“This is an incredibly difficult time, and I want the parents to know that I have walked the path they are currently on,” Governor DeWine stated, his voice filled with emotion.

The loss of these young lives and their dedicated teacher, along with the grieving parents, has left the entire state in a state of shock and mourning. The community is coming together to support the affected families during this unimaginable tragedy.

Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to determine the cause of the accident. As the community grieves, it is hoped that measures will be taken to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

The memory of John W. Mosley, Jeffery D. Worrell, Katelyn N. Owens, Dave Kennat, Kristy Gaynor, and Shannon Wigfield will forever be cherished by their loved ones and the Ohio community. May they rest in peace..