By Frank Lewis
A father and daughter were killed Monday in a three vehicle crash on U.S. 23 near the Blain Highway in Ross County. Killed in the crash were Joseph R. Hettinger, 35 and Cora L. Hart, 1, of Chillicothe.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, at around 5:07 p.m. a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo, driven by Hettinger, was traveling south on U.S. 23 when it went out of control and crossed the median into the northbound lanes striking a small trailer which was connected to a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado driven by David Barnhart, 27, of Mansfield, Ohio.
Hettinger’s vehicle was then struck by a 2005 Freightliner semi with a trailer driven by Mostapha Oucheni, 31, of Chicago, Illinois.
Hettinger was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 1-year-old Cora Hart was transported to Pike Adena Medical Center where she died a short time later. The other drivers involved did not receive any injuries. Huntington, Franklin and Scioto Township Fire and EMS all responded to the scene.
The OSHP said U.S. 23 was closed in both directions for three and a half hours. The Ross County and Pike County Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) assiste with traffic control. The crash remains under investigation.
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
