OHIO — One person was killed and two others were seriously injured in a crash Friday afternoon on State Route 749 in Clermont County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash happened around 3:23 p.m. near milepost 4 when a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado veered off the right side of the roadway and struck two utility poles.
The front passenger, identified as 19-year-old Natalie Gilreath of Cincinnati, died at the scene from her injuries. The driver and a rear passenger sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
A family member told WLWT that the two injured victims are a father and son, and that Gilreath was the son’s girlfriend. The family said the group had just picked up a puppy when the crash occurred. The puppy reportedly climbed into the front seat and distracted the driver, leading to the collision.
State Route 749 was closed between Cooper and Jenny Lind roads for several hours as crews responded and cleared the scene.
OSHP said it was assisted by the Pierce Township Police Department, Pierce Township Fire and EMS, Ohio Township Fire and EMS, UC Medical Center AirCare, and Gray’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
