Warren Co, OH (January 20, 2026) – A tragic head-on collision claimed the lives of two individuals Monday afternoon on Interstate 71 in Warren County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The fatal accident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. near mile marker 26 on the northbound side of I-71. Investigators say 28-year-old Micaela Pedicone of Lebanon was traveling southbound in a Chevrolet Malibu when, for reasons still under investigation, she crossed the median into oncoming traffic. Her vehicle collided head-on with a Honda Odyssey driven by 49-year-old Darnell McKinney Jr. of Cincinnati.
Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. The violent impact of the crash left both vehicles heavily damaged and forced authorities to close portions of the interstate while responders managed the scene and began the investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lebanon Post is leading the ongoing investigation and is working to determine what factors may have contributed to the crash, including road conditions, driver behavior, or vehicle issues.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Micaela Pedicone and Darnell McKinney Jr. during this devastating time.
