The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released the information concerning a deadly tragedy that took place on Thursday.
A 95-year-old woman has died from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash at a busy Pike County intersection.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 4:08 p.m. on April 17, 2025, at the intersection of State Route 32 and US 23 in Seal Township. Investigators say a 2017 Cadillac CTS, driven by 93-year-old James Pertuset of Peebles, failed to yield at a stop sign while traveling northbound on US 23. The Cadillac was struck by an eastbound 2007 Peterbilt semi-truck on SR 32, causing it to spin into a 2011 Kia Sorento waiting to turn.
Leona Pertuset, 95, who was a passenger in the Cadillac, was rushed to Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus with critical injuries. Sadly, she passed away on April 21 at 5:05 p.m.
James Pertuset, the driver, was also transported to the same hospital for treatment. His condition has not been publicly updated.
Tyler Walton, 29, of Wellston, was driving the semi-truck and was not injured in the crash. Annette Peck, 63, of Wheelersburg, who was behind the wheel of the Kia, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency crews from the Seal Township Fire Department, Portsmouth Ambulance, and the Pike County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene.
A Closer Look at Older Drivers
While many seniors remain capable and cautious behind the wheel, advancing age can impact reaction times, vision, and judgment — especially in fast-moving or complex traffic situations. According to safety experts, age-related declines don’t affect everyone the same way, but they do increase risk factors, particularly in intersections or during split-second decisions.
Ohio does not have an upper age limit for driving, but older drivers are encouraged to regularly review their driving abilities and take refresher courses. Family members are also urged to check in and have open conversations when safety concerns arise.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
Second Fatal Crash in Days: Gallia County Man Killed in Overnight Wreck
Tragedy has struck Southern Ohio once again, as a second fatal crash in less than a week claimed the life of a local man early Tuesday morning.
The Gallipolis Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the single-vehicle accident, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. on April 22, 2025, along State Route 588 near milepost 11. According to troopers, 57-year-old Christopher H. Copley of Gallipolis was driving a 2005 Toyota Scion when he failed to navigate a curve. The vehicle veered off the right side of the road, hit an embankment, overturned, and came to rest on its side.
Copley, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Gallia County Coroner’s Office. His body was transported to Cremeens Funeral Home. Authorities closed the roadway for about an hour during the investigation and cleanup.
Emergency crews from the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, Gallipolis Police Department, Gallia County EMS, Gallipolis Fire Department, and Red’s Towing responded to the scene.
This deadly crash follows closely on the heels of a fatal Pike County accident on April 17, where 95-year-old Leona Pertuset of Peebles lost her life after a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of SR 32 and US 23.
Seatbelts Save Lives
Troopers emphasize that while not every crash is survivable, seatbelts drastically improve your chances. In Copley’s case, not wearing a seatbelt may have played a role in the severity of the outcome.
“Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself on the road,” said a spokesperson for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “It takes two seconds and could mean the difference between life and death.”
The investigation into the Gallia County crash remains ongoing.
