Licking County, Ohio Fatal Crash Results in Driver Death, Injured Passenger

A single‑vehicle crash occurred on State Route 13 between Cooper Road and Davis Drive near the Dawes Arboretum in Licking County, Ohio. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office reported that the driver was experiencing a mental‑health crisis before colliding with a utility pole. After the crash, the driver died from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound, while a passenger suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

The roadway was closed overnight for investigation and public safety. Deputies confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public, and the highway reopened to traffic after the investigation concluded. The identities of those involved have been withheld pending family notification, and authorities have provided information on crisis‑help resources.