At a Glance
- A head-on crash on Interstate 71 killed Micaela Pedicone, 28, and Darnell McKinney Jr., 49.
- Pedicone was an elementary school teacher; McKinney was a school custodian and father of seven.
- The collision happened after Pedicone’s car crossed the median into oncoming traffic.
Why it matters: The double-fatality has devastated two families and two school communities in southwest Ohio.
A Monday-afternoon crash on Interstate 71 in Warren County has claimed the lives of a 28-year-old elementary school teacher and a 49-year-old custodian and father of seven, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The patrol’s initial timeline shows that just before 1 p.m. on January 19, Micaela Pedicone’s southbound Chevrolet Malibu crossed the grassy median and entered the northbound lanes near Union Township. The Malibu struck a Honda Odyssey driven by Darnell McKinney Jr. head-on. Both drivers-the only occupants-were pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims Identified
Kings Local School District confirmed Pedicone taught at South Lebanon Elementary School in Maineville. In a statement provided to News Of Los Angeles, district officials called her “a valued member of our school community who cared deeply for her students and colleagues,” adding that “her loss is felt profoundly across our district.”
The school closed to students on January 20 so staff and families could receive grief support. “We are working closely with Micaela’s family and will share additional information as appropriate,” the district said.
Relatives told Cincinnati Fox affiliate WXIX that McKinney worked as a custodian at ReGeneration Bond Hill and was the father of seven children and grandfather to one. “He loved to dance, he loved to sing. He loved to make people laugh,” said his sister, Lakesha James.
Community Reacts
A vigil for McKinney took place Tuesday at the family’s home, ending with a balloon release. “It’s a tragedy for both families,” James told WHIO. “But I just want the world to know that my brother was a good man. He will be missed. We all love him. Our family is here to support each other and just hope that you guys just pray for us during this tragedy.”
Neither ReGeneration Bond Hill nor McKinney’s relatives responded to News Of Los Angeles‘s request for comment before publication.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. No additional details about speed, road conditions, or possible impairment have been released.
Key Takeaways
- Two vehicles, two lives lost: a teacher and a father of seven.
- One school community mourns its teacher; another remembers a beloved custodian.
- Investigators have not yet said why the Malibu crossed the median.
