A quiet Sunday evening in Morrow County turned deadly after a violent two-vehicle crash claimed the lives of a young driver and a child. Authorities say the heartbreaking collision happened just before 7 p.m., leaving a family and community in mourning.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 6:56 p.m. on County Road 25 near State Route 61. Troopers responded quickly to the scene after receiving reports of a serious accident involving a Jeep and a pickup truck. When emergency crews arrived, they found both vehicles heavily damaged from the impact.

Investigators say a Jeep traveling eastbound crossed the center line for reasons that are still unknown. The vehicle then collided with a westbound pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. The force of the crash caused severe damage to both vehicles, prompting a large emergency response as first responders worked urgently to assist those involved.

The driver of the Jeep, 27-year-old Skylar Beveridge of Mount Gilead, was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, Beveridge later died from injuries sustained in the crash. A 10-year-old passenger in the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene, adding to the devastating toll of the accident. Authorities have not yet released the child’s name.

The driver of the pickup truck was also injured in the collision and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Officials have not provided an update on that driver’s current condition. Troopers confirmed that alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what caused the Jeep to cross the center line. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to gather evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal crash. As the community grieves the loss of two lives, officials are reminding drivers to stay alert and exercise caution on rural roadways.