A late-night drive along State Route 741 in Turtlecreek Township ended in tragedy Friday when two people were killed in a violent two-vehicle collision, authorities said. The crash, reported around 10 p.m., involved a 2019 Tesla Model 3 and a 2020 GMC Terrain and shut down SR 741 between Hamilton Road and SR 63 for several hours while crews worked the scene. Troopers from the Lebanon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are leading the investigation.
Crash details
According to WCPO, the Tesla was traveling southbound on SR 741, driven by 17-year-old Dylan Sougstad, while the GMC was headed northbound, driven by 53-year-old Chastity Smith. The outlet reports that the Tesla went left of center and struck the GMC, sending both vehicles off the west side of the roadway. Sougstad and Smith were pronounced dead at the scene, and the road remained closed for several hours as first responders cleared debris and documented the wreckage.
Investigation and local context
Ohio State Highway Patrol data indicate Warren County had recorded three fatal crashes through Jan. 26, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. State Route 741 is a familiar reroute for drivers in the area, as the Warren County Engineer’s Office has previously directed detours onto the roadway during major moves and maintenance projects, according to a press release from the Warren County Engineer’s Office.
What investigators say
The Lebanon Post remains the primary investigating agency and has not released any additional details about the circumstances surrounding the crash, WCPO reported. Troopers are expected to share further information as the investigation moves forward.
