PUEBLO COUNTY PILEUP: Thomas R. Thayer Among Five Killed in Wind-Driven Crash on I-25

 A violent burst of wind and dust turned Interstate 25 near Pueblo into a deadly obstacle course Tuesday, causing massive pileups and ultimately killing five people while injuring many more. The crash happened just after 10 a.m., when a sudden “brown-out” of blowing dirt made visibility on the busy highway drop to nearly zero, troopers said.

The most recent victim to die was 71-year-old Thomas R. Thayer of Rye, Colorado, who was transported to a hospital after the crash and later succumbed to his injuries. Officials say he was among more than three dozen people caught up in the multiple collisions. Coroner officials also named four other victims: a father and son from Walsenburg, David and Scott Kirscht, Mary Sue Thayer of Rye, and Karen Ann Marsh of Pueblo. Their loss has sent ripples of sorrow through their hometowns.

The pileups involved more than 30 vehicles and at least seven large trucks. Some drivers said that conditions changed without warning, with heavy winds from the plains suddenly filling the air with dust. In an instant, drivers faced vehicles stopped ahead with no clear view of the road, resulting in cars and big rigs slamming into one another across both northbound and southbound lanes.

Rescue workers responded swiftly, setting up triage areas and coordinating with hospitals to care for the injured. Nearly three dozen people were taken to medical centers for treatment. Some suffered serious trauma while others were treated for cuts and bruises. First responders praised each other’s efforts in handling what one fire chief called an “overwhelming scene.”

Interstate 25 was shut down for hours as crews cleared wreckage and re-established safe travel lanes. The southbound side was reopened in the afternoon, while the heavily damaged northbound side remained closed into the night. State patrol officials urged drivers in the region to delay travel during strong winds and to seek shelter when visibility suddenly drops.

Community members in towns up and down the corridor toward Colorado Springs heard sirens throughout the morning and later gathered with family and friends to check on loved ones. In Walsenburg and Rye, neighbors lit candles and shared memories of the victims, describing them as kind and familiar faces in their small towns.

The Colorado State Patrol says the investigation is ongoing, with traffic investigators examining how the dust storm and vehicle interactions led to the chain of crashes. Experts say that when dry conditions and high winds combine, even experienced drivers can be overwhelmed. Officials are using this tragedy as a stark reminder that dangerous weather can strike swiftly, and that slowing down or pulling off the road when conditions worsen can save lives.

Efforts to support the injured and the families of those killed are underway, with local agencies and community groups offering assistance as the region copes with the emotional aftermath of the crash.

Tulsa Motorcycle Crash Takes Life of 25-Year-Old Daniel Hill on Broken Arrow Expressway

 Tulsa — A young man known to friends and family as full of life and promise died Tuesday evening after a high-speed motorcycle crash on the Broken Arrow Expressway. Emergency crews were called to the westbound lanes near Yale Avenue around 6 p.m. on February 17, where they found 25-year-old Daniel Hill with catastrophic injuries after his bike struck the back of a pickup truck.

Witnesses described a scene that shifted from a normal Tuesday commute to sudden terror in seconds. Hill was reportedly moving fast in heavy traffic when his bike collided with the truck’s rear. First responders worked quickly, but despite their efforts he did not survive. No one else was hurt in the crash.

The Tulsa Police Department says the investigation is ongoing. Traffic investigators are sorting through evidence to better understand what happened and whether any additional factors played a role. For now, officials say no charges are expected, and they stress that motorcycle crashes can turn deadly in an instant.

For people who knew him, Daniel was more than a headline. He was a son, a friend, and someone whose easy laugh and bright spirit lit up rooms. His death has rippled through the community, leaving a sense of loss that simple facts can’t capture.

The crash is also a stark reminder of how vulnerable riders can be on busy highways. Speed and close traffic make it hard to react in time, and even experienced motorcyclists can be caught off guard. Safety advocates say this tragedy highlights the need for awareness on all sides of the road.

Friends have shared memories of Daniel’s kindness and the ambitions he held for his future. They say he had plans, loved deeply, and leaves behind people who will miss him every day. In the quiet of empty seats and missed calls, the weight of that absence is settling in.

As Tulsa reflects on this sudden loss, many are offering support to Daniel’s family. In moments like these, the community’s presence can be a source of comfort. Daniel’s life and legacy won’t be measured solely by the way he died but by the connections he made and the lives he touched.

Darke County, Ohio — 17‑Year‑Old Ashlee Holmes Dies in High‑Speed Crash During Police Pursuit

 Darke County is reeling after a high‑speed police chase turned deadly Monday night, ending with the loss of a young life and injuries to two others. Around 8:15 p.m. on State Route 47 near Ansonia‑Hunchbarger Road, a westbound SUV being chased by a sheriff’s deputy crashed head‑on with an oncoming vehicle. The collision cost 17‑year‑old Ashlee Holmes her life. The Ohio State Highway Patrol says the chase reached speeds above 120 mph before the crash.

Holmes was a passenger in a 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar driven by 33‑year‑old Tarsem Singh of Union City. A Darke County deputy first spotted the vehicle traveling well above the speed limit and attempted a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, the SUV sped off and was pursued for about five miles before the deadly impact.

As the Range Rover veered past the center line, it struck a 2016 Jeep Cherokee heading east. The force of the crash sent the Range Rover off the road, where it flipped and came to rest back on the pavement. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as night fell.

Holmes was thrown from the SUV and died at the site. Singh was critically injured and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Dayton. The 35‑year‑old woman driving the Jeep was taken to a hospital in Indiana with injuries that were serious but not life‑threatening.

Friends and family in Sidney, where Holmes lived, are left to grapple with sudden heartbreak. Those who knew her describe a bright, caring girl with dreams and plans for the future. Her loss has rippled through classrooms, homes and the wider community.

Officials from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Darke County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the crash. They say details about what sparked the initial traffic stop and pursuit are still under review.

As dark hit and word of the tragedy spread, neighbors lit candles and shared stories of Ashlee’s warmth. In this tight‑knit corner of western Ohio, a promising life cut short has left a deep, aching void.

Fairfield Ohio Plant Worker Griffin Darrow Dies After Early Morning Explosion and Fire

 Fairfield Ohio is grieving after a devastating early‑morning fire and explosion at the Koch Foods poultry processing plant left 25‑year‑old worker Griffin Darrow dead and two others injured. Fire crews rushed to the facility just after 1 a.m. Sunday when reports came in of a blast and heavy smoke ripping through the massive building on Commerce Drive in the city’s industrial area. The blaze burned intensely for hours, forcing firefighters to battle it mostly from the outside because of collapsing structures and unsafe interior conditions.

The Fairfield Fire Department, joined by more than 100 firefighters from neighboring towns, fought the fire through the night into daylight. The fire was so severe that portions of the roof gave way, and thick smoke filled much of the plant. At the same time, crews were on high alert for possible ammonia leaks from the plant’s refrigeration system, prompting officials to issue a shelter‑in‑place order for residents and businesses within a two‑mile radius as a safety precaution.

Emergency teams paused interior search efforts during the worst of the conditions as heat, falling debris, and the risk of structural collapse made it unsafe to continue. Once specialists deemed areas stable enough, crews found Darrow near a section of building that had partially caved in. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s preliminary findings indicate he died from smoke inhalation and his passing has been ruled an accident.

Two other employees were taken to local hospitals with burn injuries. Both have since been treated and released, officials confirmed. Their quick recovery brought a small relief to coworkers and families already shaken by the tragedy. Witnesses described frantic moments early in the morning as smoke filled work areas and alarms blared, with some workers making urgent calls for help as they tried to evacuate.

Friends and family remembered Griffin Darrow as a dedicated young man who worked as a maintenance technician at the plant. He had close ties with coworkers and was known for his steady work ethic and easygoing nature. His loss has left a deep void among those who knew him, with many sharing memories of shared shifts and everyday conversations now tinged with sorrow.

Authorities from the fire department are continuing their investigation with the help of the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also opened a probe into the incident to determine what went wrong and whether workplace safety standards were violated prior to the explosion and fire. That investigation could take several months as officials sift through evidence and interview witnesses.

As the dust settles in Fairfield, the community remains united in mourning. Vigils and memorials are being planned by coworkers and neighbors who say they want to honor Darrow’s life and support his loved ones through the painful recovery ahead. The damaged plant, a major employer in the region, will likely remain closed for some time as investigators and cleanup crews assess the full scope of the destruction and begin the long process of rebuilding.

Florence SC Shooting Leaves 23‑Year‑Old Man Dead in Coit Village Parking Lot

 Florence, South Carolina is grieving after a young man’s life ended in a sudden afternoon shooting at the Coit Village Apartments. On Monday around 2:47 p.m., officers with the Florence Police Department were called to the complex on North Coit Street after reports of shots fired. When first responders arrived they found 23‑year‑old Deandre Demetris Lyde suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his family and friends stunned and heartbroken.

Neighbors described hearing sharp cracks pierce the usual quiet of the parking lot. Few saw what happened, but the shock of violence so close to home spread quickly through the community. Those who knew Lyde said he was a young man with a future ahead of him, someone who dreamed of more for himself and those around him. Now that future has been taken, leaving a deep void that friends struggle to put into words.

Police said a silver Honda Accord pulled into the parking area just before the shooting. Someone inside the vehicle and Lyde exchanged some sort of interaction, and then shots rang out. The car sped off before officers arrived. Detectives have since released photos of the vehicle and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Investigators have since arrested three suspects in connection with the shooting. Those men now face charges including murder, conspiracy, and weapons violations as the community waits for answers.

Family members and loved ones gathered at makeshift memorials near the scene and at Lyde’s home. Flowers, candles and notes now mark spots where people pause to remember his smile, his plans, and the young life they expected to watch unfold. Those closest to him talk about his laugh and how he always tried to look out for others. In the wake of his death, those memories are now the stories people cling to.

The tragedy has left many in Florence unsettled and searching for a sense of safety. Residents say this is not just an event on the news but something that has hit home. Some parents say they are now more cautious when their children leave the house. Others simply stand in quiet reflection, thinking about what has happened and how fragile life can be.

Florence Police Interim Chief Stephen Starling has said the investigation is continuing and that homicide detectives are following leads. Autopsy results for Lyde are expected from the Medical University of South Carolina, and police are hoping community tips will help bring a clearer picture of what led up to the shooting. The department says it is taking every step to piece together the timeline of events and to ensure justice is served.

For now, the community of Florence mourns Deandre Lyde while offering support to his family in this painful time. Prayers, kind words and acts of solidarity have poured in from neighbors and strangers alike. People remember him not just for how he died, but for who he was: someone with dreams, someone with people who loved him, and someone whose life mattered.

Edwardsville Crash Kills Hamel Man After Police Pursuit Ends in Downtown Collision

Late Sunday night, Edwardsville residents were shaken by a violent crash that left a 24‑year‑old man dead and a beloved downtown building badly damaged. Just after 11:10 p.m., officers with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department tried to pull over a Chevrolet pickup that was seen driving unsafely and against traffic on local roads. When the driver didn’t stop, officers followed as the truck sped into the heart of the city.

The chase didn’t last long. As the pickup sped down Main Street, the driver lost control and slammed into the front of the Redmon Insurance Agency at 106 South Main Street. The impact tore away brick and glass, leaving a large gap in the building’s facade. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, but the driver, later identified as Ryan C. Drew of Hamel, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison County coroner.

Officials said no officers were hurt during the pursuit or collision. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation has taken over the case and is piecing together what led up to the crash. Investigators have confirmed that Drew was driving at a high rate of speed through city streets when the truck flipped out of control and struck the building.

Employees of Redmon Insurance were not in the office at the time, and business owners say they are grateful no one inside was injured. The crash has left a gaping hole in the front of the agency’s Main Street location, and crews have been working during daylight hours to secure the structure and clear debris. Owner Kai Redmon told neighbors he is focused on making sure clients can still get service despite the disruption.

Community members expressed shock on social media and in local conversations the next day. Many said they never expected such a scene on a quiet downtown street where families walk and shop on weekend evenings. Neighbors described seeing emergency lights and workers clearing away rubble in the early morning hours as traffic was rerouted around the damaged block.

Authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing. State police are reviewing patrol body‑camera footage, witness statements and vehicle data as part of their inquiry. Once the review is complete, the case will be turned over to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for further action. Details about what charges, if any, might follow have not been released.

For local businesses, the crash has brought a mix of concern and solidarity. Owners of nearby shops pitched in to protect their storefronts and help cover repair costs for Redmon Insurance. Officials said repair work is expected to begin as soon as engineers deem the building structurally sound, but downtown traffic patterns near Main and Vandalia streets could be disrupted for days.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY Teen’s Death on Road Shakes School and Neighbors

 Spartanburg County, South Carolina — Late Tuesday night a 19-year-old high school student was found dead in the middle of a local road, and his sudden loss has left classmates, teachers and neighbors struggling to understand what happened.

Officials were called just after 10 p.m. to the intersection of Howard Street and Simuel Road in Spartanburg County. When emergency responders arrived, they discovered the body of Jose Julian Morales-Diaz, a senior at Dorman High School, lying in the roadway. He was pronounced dead there at the scene.

Morales-Diaz was known among his friends as a quiet but hardworking student who had hopes of finishing strong in his final year at school. The news spread quickly through the tight-knit community on Wednesday, and counselors were brought in to help students and staff cope with grief and shock.

At this moment, authorities from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office are working together to piece together the circumstances around his death. The coroner’s office said an autopsy is scheduled, but no cause of death has yet been officially released.

Family members, classmates and school leaders have declined to speculate on what might have led to the tragedy. Many who knew Jose described him as someone who cared about his friends and took his schoolwork seriously, and his absence has left a gap in the hallways and classrooms of his school.

Deputies initially responded to a report of a “man down” in the road, and the sheriff’s office is urging anyone who might have information to come forward to help fill in the missing pieces of that night. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Spartanburg County School District 6 officials say they are focused on supporting students and staff during this painful time, offering counseling and space to talk through feelings of loss. The community is still trying to absorb the reality that a young life with so much ahead of it has ended under unclear circumstances.

In the coming days, more details may emerge from the ongoing investigation as friends and family remember Jose for the person he was and grapple with the questions that remain unanswered.