WARREN COUNTY, Ohio — Two people are dead after a crash on I-71 Monday afternoon, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol Lebanon Post.
The crash happened just before 1 p.m. at mile marker 26 on I-71 northbound in Union Township, OSHP said.
OSHP said 28-year-old Micaela Pedicone was driving southbound and crossed the median, entering the northbound lanes and striking 49-year-old Darnell McKinney Jr.'s car head-on. Both Pedicone and McKinney were the only people in their cars, according to OSHP.
Both people were pronounced dead on the scene.
The Kings Local School District confirmed that Pedicone was a teacher at South Lebanon Elementary School.
"Micaela was a valued member of our school community who cared deeply for her students and colleagues," the district said. "Her loss is felt profoundly across our district."
The district said South Lebanon Elementary will be closed Tuesday and grief counselors are available on site.
McKinney's youngest daughter described her father as a "man of all trades."
"He loved to cook for his kids. Show up to events as much as he could. And definitely go to football and basketball games. He loved just hanging out with his youngest son, Dairean. They were like two peas in a pod," TaCora McKinney said. "Overall, Darnell was just a great man and he will be missed by many. Darnell’s legacy will never come to an end as long as we’re all alive!”
A portion of I-71 northbound near Kings Mill was shut down for approximately two hours after the crash, according to the Warren County Sheriff's Office.
The crash remains under investigation.
