Tragic Crash on Interstate 70 Claims Six Lives, Including Three Tuscarawas Valley High School Students

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Gahanna Police Officers Praised for Heroic Actions in Response to Tragic Bus Crash on Interstate 70 in Licking County, Ohio

Being in the right place at the right time can sometimes make all the difference, as was evident in a tragic incident that unfolded on Interstate 70 in Licking County on Tuesday morning. Three Gahanna police officers, who happened to be traveling on the same stretch of road, became the first responders to a devastating five-vehicle crash involving a charter bus carrying high school students from Tuscarawas Valley High School.

Chief Jeff Spence commended the officers for their quick thinking and selfless actions. He revealed that the officers were en route to Zanesville for training when they encountered the westbound charter bus near the State Route 310 interchange at around 8:35 a.m. The crash, which is still under investigation, was reportedly triggered by a tractor-trailer striking a vehicle, causing a chain reaction involving five vehicles, including the bus carrying 57 people.

“They arrived within a moment or two of the crash occurring,” Chief Spence said. “They pulled into the median. They saw people running away from the rapidly increasing fire. One of our officers went to one side of the bus and began to assist some of the students and staff that were on the bus. Two other officers began to render first aid to the others and move the injured away from the fire.”

The Gahanna police officers’ swift response undoubtedly saved lives and earned them the title of the first arriving first responders. Chief Spence extended his condolences to the families of the six individuals who tragically lost their lives in the crash and offered prayers for the injured and the entire Tuscarawas Valley community.

The crash prompted a massive emergency response, with nearly 50 fire crews from across Licking and Franklin counties rushing to the scene. Numerous law enforcement agencies also joined forces to aid in the rescue efforts. Despite their concerted efforts, six people, including three Tuscarawas Valley High School students, succumbed to their injuries. The victims have been identified as 15-year-old Katelyn Owens, a high school sophomore, 18-year-old Wyatt Mosley, a high school senior, 18-year-old Jeffrey Worrell, also a high school senior, 56-year-old Dave Kennat, a high school teacher, 39-year-old Kristy Gaynor, a parent-chaperone, and 45-year-old Shannon Wigfield, a parent-chaperone who was also a teacher at Buckeye Career Center. Additionally, over a dozen others sustained injuries.

The crash resulted in the closure of Interstate 70 for more than 14 hours, as extensive repairs were necessary before the road could reopen. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause.

Following their heroic efforts at the crash site, the Gahanna police officers returned to their department, where they were provided with mental health resources and support. Chief Spence emphasized that this incident would be treated as a critical incident, with the department bringing in an internal peer assistance team, as well as resources from Franklin County and the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9.

Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin expressed her unwavering support for the officers, highlighting their selflessness and bravery. She acknowledged the toll that such incidents can take on the mental well-being of first responders and assured the officers that the city would continue to provide them with the necessary support.

“They truly risked their lives. That was a horrific fire,” Chief Spence added. “They embodied the word hero, even though I’m sure they’ll say they’re not, as were all the personnel who were out there.”

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of lives and supports those affected by the tragic crash..