OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AVC News) — A tragic crash on Interstate 77 claimed the life of a young driver Thursday afternoon and left several others injured. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports the collision involved three vehicles and happened around 2:18 p.m. near milepost 63 in Tuscarawas County.
According to investigators, 18-year-old Ava Stamets was behind the wheel of a Honda CR-V traveling northbound when, for reasons still under review, her vehicle crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes. The CR-V collided head-on with a Ram pickup truck operated by 50-year-old Donald Kalman, causing the truck to overturn. The force of the impact sent Stamets’ vehicle spinning into another lane, where it was struck by a second truck driven by 38-year-old Samuel Hartman.
Troopers said Stamets died at the scene, with the Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office pronouncing her deceased. Kalman, Hartman, and four passengers riding in Kalman’s truck sustained minor injuries and were taken to Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center in Cambridge for medical evaluation.
The collision scattered debris across multiple lanes, forcing state officials to close part of the interstate for several hours. The Ohio Department of Transportation assisted with rerouting traffic while law enforcement and emergency crews worked at the site.
Authorities noted that early evidence suggests alcohol or drug impairment may have been contributing factors, though toxicology results are still pending. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
The loss of Stamets has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting once again the devastating consequences of impaired or reckless driving. Troopers emphasized the importance of roadway safety, especially for younger drivers who are at higher risk of serious accidents.
Further updates are expected as investigators piece together a full account of the incident.
Last Updated: August 22, 2025, by AVC News
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