Columbus, OH (April 13, 2026) – A woman lost her life early on Monday morning in a multi-vehicle crash along Interstate 270 on the city’s west side.
The crash happened around 2:40 a.m. on April 13 along the eastbound lanes of I-270 near Georgesville Rd. According to reports, 45-year-old Jodi Tackett was seated in a Toyota Corolla parked on the left shoulder when the incident occurred.
About 50 feet ahead, two adults were stopped on the shoulder changing a tire on a Toyota minivan. An Audi A4 traveling in the area lost control and slammed into the rear of the Corolla, pushing it forward into the minivan.
The Audi also struck one of the people who had been working on the tire. Tackett was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured person was taken to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in critical condition.
Both Toyota vehicles were positioned off the active lanes at the time of the crash. After the collision, the Audi driver ran from the scene but was taken into custody a short distance away. Additional details about the driver have not been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
What Can Make Shoulder-Related Highway Crashes More Dangerous?
Vehicles stopped on highway shoulders face unique risks, especially during low-visibility hours like early morning. Even when cars are fully outside travel lanes, passing drivers may struggle with visibility, reaction time, or control at higher speeds.
Breakdowns often lead people to exit their vehicles, placing them close to fast-moving traffic. This increases the chance of being struck, particularly if another driver loses control or drifts onto the shoulder.
Lighting conditions, road curves, and driver behavior can all affect how quickly a stopped vehicle is noticed. In many cases, hazard lights and reflective markers can improve visibility, but they do not remove the risk entirely.
Highway environments demand constant awareness, and even a brief loss of control can lead to serious outcomes when vehicles are stopped nearby.
