EATON, Ohio — Authorities in Preble County are investigating a devastating single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 20-year-old Shelby Haynes early Sunday morning. The tragic incident occurred along U.S. Route 35 near Quinn Road in Eaton, leaving the community in shock as investigators work to determine what led to the deadly crash.
According to the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the scene around 5:28 a.m. after receiving reports of a vehicle accident involving injuries. Upon arrival, first responders found Haynes’ vehicle, a 2017 Cadillac XT5, overturned and engulfed in flames. Emergency personnel worked quickly to assess the situation, but tragically, Haynes was pronounced dead at the scene. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Officials said Haynes had been traveling eastbound on U.S. 35 when her vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a culvert, causing it to flip over before coming to rest in a nearby parking lot, where it caught fire. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but early reports suggest a loss of control may have occurred in the moments before the vehicle overturned.
Investigators are reviewing all possible contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle performance, and potential impairment. The sheriff’s office confirmed that alcohol may have played a role, though toxicology tests are still pending. Haynes’ body was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death and whether any other factors contributed to the crash.
The Preble County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office are working together to analyze the vehicle’s condition, crash dynamics, and witness accounts. Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that findings will be shared once all evidence has been reviewed. In the meantime, they urge anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators to assist in establishing a complete picture of what happened.
The loss of Shelby Haynes has deeply affected the Eaton community, with residents expressing heartbreak and offering condolences to her family. Local authorities are reminding drivers to remain alert and avoid impaired driving, particularly during the early morning hours when conditions can be more hazardous. As the investigation continues, officials say their priority is uncovering the truth and providing answers for the loved ones of Shelby Haynes.
