WEST PORTSMOUTH, Scioto County, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2026 — Two people died on Monday morning, October 26, in a two-vehicle crash on State Route 73 in Washington Township, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Portsmouth Post.
The crash happened around 7:35 a.m. when a 2010 Hyundai Elantra turning left from State Route 73 onto Calverts Lane was struck by a southbound 2025 Chevrolet Silverado. Investigators said the Elantra's driver failed to yield while making the turn.
The Elantra's driver, identified as Christina Madden, 66, of South Shore, Ky., and a 7-year-old passenger, Alannah Madden, died at the scene.
The Silverado's driver, John Mahle Jr., 26, of Lucasville, Ohio, was taken by Portsmouth Ambulance to Southern Ohio Medical Center with injuries described as minor.
The Washington Township Fire Department, Portsmouth Emergency Ambulance Service, the Scioto County Coroner's Office and the Scioto County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene. The Portsmouth Post continues to investigate the crash.
Our sympathies are with the families of everyone who lost their lives.
More on Crashes in West Portsmouth, OH
This fatal crash happened on State Route 73 in West Portsmouth, OH. We cover crashes across Scioto County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Scioto County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed change how survivable a crash is? Yes. Higher speed means more force at impact and less time for a driver to react or for safety systems to work as intended, which raises the chance of serious injury or death.
Why is seat belt use so important in a crash like this? A seat belt keeps an occupant from being thrown into the dashboard, windshield, or out of the vehicle during a sudden impact, and it substantially improves the odds of surviving a collision.
What should a family do after a fatal crash? It helps to request the official crash report once it's released, keep records of any communications with insurers, and reach out to the coroner's office or investigating agency with questions about the findings.
How do investigators determine what happened in a fatal crash? Troopers typically examine the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any witness accounts, and the findings are usually finalized in a written report after the on-scene investigation concludes.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Crash in West Portsmouth, Ohio
If you're involved in a left-turn collision, move to safety if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries, especially to the neck or chest from a sudden stop, aren't obvious right away. Exchange information with the other driver and note any road or sightline conditions that might be relevant. Once law enforcement completes its report, request a copy for your records and for any insurance claims. If someone close to you was hurt or worse in a crash, lean on local support resources and give yourself time to process what happened.
