A deadly car crash in Meigs County, Ohio, on June 4, 2025, left two individuals dead, including 17-year-old Ethan Rose from Middleport. The crash occurred at the intersection of State Route 7 and Bradbury Road, and it has deeply affected the community, particularly those in the Southern Local School District, where Rose was a student.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), Rose was driving west on Bradbury Road when he failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, he collided with a dump truck that was heading north on State Route 7. The force of the impact caused both the car driven by Rose and the dump truck to strike a third vehicle that was traveling south on the same road.
The crash was catastrophic, and emergency responders arrived on the scene to find that Rose, along with 51-year-old Kimberly Roush, who was also from Middleport, had tragically lost their lives. Both individuals were declared dead at the scene. The two victims, who were not only residents of Middleport but also part of the close-knit local community, are being remembered by their families, friends, and neighbors for their warmth and contributions to the town.
The impact of the crash was severe, but other individuals involved in the accident were fortunate to escape with only minor injuries. Meigs County EMS took them to the hospital for treatment, and authorities have not reported any serious conditions for those injured. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following the crash, State Route 7 was shut down for approximately three hours, as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and gather evidence. The closure caused significant traffic delays in the area, but the priority for law enforcement and first responders was to manage the aftermath of the crash and ensure the safety of all involved.
As news of the tragedy spread, the Southern Local School District, where Ethan Rose was a student, issued a heartfelt message on social media expressing their condolences. The loss of such a young life has left the school community in mourning, and the district has promised to provide support for students and staff during this difficult time. Grief counseling services have been made available for those who need help processing the devastating news.
The death of Ethan Rose has been felt deeply by his classmates, teachers, and everyone who knew him. Rose was remembered as a bright, promising young individual with a bright future ahead of him. His untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him. The community of Middleport, which is small and tightly-knit, is now grappling with the grief and sadness that comes with the loss of such a young life.
For Kimberly Roush, who also lost her life in the crash, her family and friends are mourning the loss of a beloved mother, friend, and member of the community. The tragic nature of the incident, which claimed both her life and the life of the young teenager, has left many struggling to come to terms with the senselessness of it all.
As investigations continue, local authorities are piecing together the details of the crash to understand the full scope of what led to the tragic accident. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses, and updates on the incident are being provided through local news outlets, including the WSAZ app.
While the cause of the crash has been partially determined—Rose’s failure to yield at the stop sign—the investigation will continue to examine other factors that may have contributed to the deadly collision. The OSHP is also looking into the condition of the drivers involved, the road conditions at the time of the crash, and any other potential contributing factors.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring the memories of those who were lost in this tragic event. For Ethan Rose, his family and friends are left with the difficult task of processing the loss of a young life taken too soon. For Kimberly Roush, her loved ones are mourning the sudden loss of someone who meant so much to them and the community.
In the days following the crash, the Middleport community has come together to support the families affected by this tragedy. Local residents have expressed their shock and grief over the incident, with many sharing their memories of Ethan and Kimberly. This sense of community support is essential as families begin to cope with the emotional aftermath of such a devastating event.
The crash also serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, particularly at intersections where stop signs are present. Failing to yield at a stop sign can have catastrophic consequences, as this tragic incident has demonstrated. The impact of reckless or negligent driving is far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals involved in the crash but also their families, friends, and entire communities.
In the wake of this tragedy, there has been a renewed call for greater awareness of road safety and the need for drivers to remain vigilant and follow traffic laws. Whether it is yielding at stop signs, reducing speed in high-traffic areas, or being mindful of other drivers on the road, small actions can make a big difference in preventing accidents and saving lives.
This accident also underscores the importance of road infrastructure and the need for effective traffic management in rural areas. In places like Meigs County, where roads can be less congested, the danger of accidents may not always feel immediate, but as this tragic incident shows, even rural roads can be the site of devastating crashes. Continued investments in road safety measures, including signage, road maintenance, and education campaigns, are necessary to help prevent future tragedies.
For now, the focus remains on mourning the loss of Ethan Rose and Kimberly Roush, and on supporting their families through this incredibly difficult time. As the community continues to cope with the shock of the crash, the hope is that those responsible for maintaining safe roads will continue to work towards improving traffic safety and preventing future accidents. This tragic loss reminds us all of the fragile nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones.
The Southern Local School District and the broader Middleport community are deeply affected by this tragedy, and they will continue to support each other in the aftermath. The impact of Ethan Rose’s death, as well as the loss of Kimberly Roush, will resonate for years to come, and the community will no doubt find ways to honor their memories. For now, as the investigation continues and the healing begins, the hope is that lessons will be learned and that efforts to prevent such tragedies will continue to evolve.
