Three dead following crashes during New Year’s holiday in Ohio

OHIO — Three people lost their lives in Ohio traffic crashes during the New Year’s holiday period, including a couple struck and killed in Columbus, according to a provisional report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).

The reporting period, which spanned two days from Dec. 31, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025, included one death attributed to impaired driving and two fatalities involving a couple on Columbus’ Far West Side.

Far West Side Crash Claims Two Lives

Around 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Columbus police responded to a fatal crash at the intersection of Alkire and Norton roads.

Keith Klatt, 56, and Joellen Klatt, 53, were outside their vehicle exchanging information with another driver following a non-injury crash when they were struck by an approaching Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Keith Klatt was pronounced dead at the scene, while Joellen Klatt succumbed to her injuries later at a hospital, police reported.

The couple, who recently moved from Galloway to Grove City, were also hit alongside their Hyundai vehicle.

As of Thursday afternoon, Columbus police had not identified or charged the driver of the pickup truck. The investigation remains ongoing.

Statewide Traffic Enforcement

OSHP troopers conducted 1,474 traffic enforcement stops during the reporting period, leading to 77 impaired driving arrests. They also issued 73 distracted driving citations and 159 seat belt citations.

The three traffic deaths represent a decrease from the seven fatalities reported during the previous New Year’s holiday period, which spanned four days from Dec. 29, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024.

Officials urge drivers to exercise caution and prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies.