Authorities are investigating a tragic early morning crash on U.S. 35 in Ross County that resulted in the death of 45-year-old pedestrian Jolayne C. Blake of Chillicothe. The incident has left the local community shaken as officials continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
The crash occurred on May 16, 2026, near mile marker 3 in Concord Township. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Chillicothe Post, troopers were initially dispatched around 8:27 a.m. after a report of an object along the roadside. Upon arrival, they discovered that a serious vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash had taken place.
Investigators determined that a 2021 Kia K5, driven by 28-year-old Paitaan White of Chillicothe, was traveling northwest on U.S. 35 when it struck a pedestrian who was walking in the roadway. The pedestrian, Jolayne C. Blake, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body was later transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
The driver, Paitaan White, was not injured in the crash. Authorities have not indicated that charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing as troopers continue to examine roadway conditions, visibility, and other possible contributing factors.
Officials temporarily closed the area while crash reconstruction teams documented evidence and worked to determine the sequence of events leading up to the impact. The roadway has since been reopened.
As the investigation continues, the Chillicothe community is mourning the loss of Jolayne C. Blake and reflecting on the tragic nature of the incident. Authorities say further updates may be released as more information becomes available.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
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