MIAMI COUNTY, Ohio — A 21-year-old man lost his life following a tragic crash on Interstate 75 in Miami County on Saturday evening.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers from the Piqua Post, along with emergency responders, were dispatched to the northbound lanes of I-75 near State Route 41 at approximately 8:00 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious collision.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Freightliner tractor-trailer had pulled onto the right shoulder within a construction zone due to a mechanical issue. The truck had been stopped for several minutes when it was struck from behind by a northbound 2005 Chevrolet Impala.
Investigators said the Impala traveled out of its lane and entered the closed lane of the construction zone before colliding with the parked tractor-trailer.
The driver of the Freightliner, identified as 43-year-old Derek Blakely of Bethel, was not injured in the crash.
The driver of the Chevrolet Impala, identified as 21-year-old Yukahn Riffell of Ansonia, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No additional information has been released at this time as officials work to determine what caused the vehicle to leave its lane.
The fatal crash serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers motorists face in construction zones and the importance of remaining alert while traveling through areas with changing traffic patterns.
