CINCINNATI — The Hamilton County Coroner's Office has released the identity of a City of Cincinnati employee killed in a crash on the Norwood Lateral Thursday afternoon.
The coroner reported 46-year-old Jonathan Allen Young is the man who died after a crash involving two city vehicles and a Metro bus.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said just before 12:45 p.m., Norwood police requested assistance from the HCSO Traffic Safety Unit for a three-vehicle crash on the Lateral, or SR-562.
According to the sheriff's office, a City of Cincinnati maintenance pickup truck with an attached trailer was driving west on the Lateral at the 1.8 mile marker. Three employees were working on a traffic project.
A Metro bus was driving west on the Lateral, approaching the pickup truck from behind. The bus hit the pickup truck and pushed it forward into the trailer of another pickup truck, the sheriff's office said.
WATCH: Cincinnati community mourns city employee killed in crash
The sheriff's office said currently, no criminal charges have been filed against the driver of the Metro bus, but that could change.
Following the crash, Young was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
The Metro bus driver was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment of injuries. HCSO said it does not know the extent of those injuries.
Young's cousin, Raniesha Marie, said Young was "such a loving and caring person" in a statement Friday.
"He was always willing to help anyone in need. If he saw you coming, he would greet you with a smile, say 'Hey,' and give you a big hug. He truly loved his family and never missed family gatherings. If he had to work during a special occasion, he would always let us know he would stop by as soon as he got off work," Marie said. "Lil (Jonathan) was a man of many talents. He could fix just about anything, and he took pride in doing every job the right way. He was a devoted father to his children, a dedicated provider, and one of the hardest-working people you could know. No matter the weather or the temperature, he always made sure things got done — and done correctly. His kindness, work ethic, and love for his family will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him."
The crash was just west of I-71 and drivers were diverted off the Lateral at Ridge Road. The westbound lanes of the Lateral were shut down for hours following the crash, but have reopened.
City Manager Sheryl Long issued the following statement Thursday evening:
"This afternoon, two City trucks with the Department of Public Services were hit from behind as they were doing scheduled work on the Norwood Lateral. Tragically, one DPS employee died from his injuries. Another employee was also hurt but is expected to be OK. To put it plainly, we are heartbroken. Out of respect for the families, we will not be publicly sharing employee identities until next of kin is notified," Long said. "I often refer to City staff as ‘Team Cincy’ because we are not just coworkers, we are family; and today we lost one of our own. We are focused on providing support to staff grappling with this sudden and shocking loss and will continue to work with local authorities as the investigation continues. Please join me in praying for all involved.
Mayor Aftab Pureval issued a statement on social media:
"The City of Cincinnati's Public Services family experienced a shocking tragedy today. A moment like this is simply unimaginable. As family, friends and coworkers grieve, we will be here in prayer and support."
Metro responded to the crash with a statement Friday:
"At approximately 12:45 p.m. (Thursday), a Metro bus was involved in a collision on the Norwood Lateral. Tragically, an individual involved in the accident has died as a result of their injuries. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Metro is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation into this incident."
Metro said Friday there is no update on the driver's condition.
