LUCASVILLE, Ohio — Hannah N. Howard, 30, of Beaver, her son Gunner Howard, 9, and her daughter Peyton Howard, 5, were tragically killed in a devastating two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon on State Route 32 in Pike County. The collision, which occurred at the intersection of State Route 32 and Coal Dock Road in Union Township, also left a 4-year-old child with life-threatening injuries and remains under investigation by the Portsmouth Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 1:56 p.m. on June 15 when a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Hannah Howard was traveling north on Coal Dock Road. At the same time, a 2009 Kenworth T800 tractor-trailer pulling an empty logging trailer, operated by Chance E. Rodgers, 27, of Bainbridge, was traveling west on State Route 32.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the Chevrolet attempted to continue north across State Route 32 but failed to yield to the oncoming tractor-trailer. The Kenworth struck the Chevrolet, causing a catastrophic collision.
Hannah Howard and two of her three passengers, Gunner Howard and Peyton Howard, suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their sudden loss has left family members, friends, and the surrounding community heartbroken as they struggle to come to terms with the tragedy.
A third passenger, a 4-year-old child, survived the crash but sustained serious life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders requested an air ambulance, and the child was flown to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment. No additional information regarding the child’s condition has been released.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, Chance Rodgers, was not injured in the crash.
Numerous emergency agencies responded to assist at the scene, including the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, MedFlight, Stockdale Fire Department, Beaver Fire Department, Portsmouth Atomic Plant Emergency Services, Portsmouth Emergency Ambulance Service, Pike County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Gahm’s Wrecker & Crane Service.
The crash resulted in a significant emergency response as first responders worked to provide aid, secure the area, and begin the extensive investigation into what led to the fatal collision.
The deaths of Hannah Howard, Gunner Howard, and Peyton Howard have deeply impacted the Beaver community and beyond. As loved ones mourn the unimaginable loss of a mother and her two young children, many are also keeping the injured child in their thoughts and prayers during a critical time of recovery.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Portsmouth Post continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact authorities as investigators work to determine all factors that contributed to the tragedy.
As the community grieves, Hannah Howard, Gunner Howard, and Peyton Howard will be remembered by those who knew and loved them, their memories forever cherished by family, friends, and all whose lives they touched.
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