The Columbus community is grieving after a tragic early-morning accident claimed the life of 52-year-old Kevin Courts. The fatal collision happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday along Corr Road near Lockbourne Road, at a time when darkness and low visibility often make roadway hazards difficult to see. The quiet stretch of road quickly turned into the scene of a heartbreaking loss as emergency crews rushed to respond.
Authorities say Courts was standing in the roadway when a waste-collection truck approached. The driver attempted to swerve to avoid him, but the encounter happened too fast to prevent impact. Despite the driver’s immediate reaction, the large service vehicle struck Courts, leaving him critically injured within moments. Investigators believe the situation unfolded suddenly, giving the driver very little time to respond.
The driver remained at the scene, immediately calling 911 to report the accident and request help. First responders arrived within minutes and provided life-saving care before transporting Courts to Grant Medical Center. Medical professionals worked urgently to stabilize him, but the injuries he suffered were too severe, and he was pronounced dead a short time later. The sudden loss has devastated those who knew him and left the community searching for answers.
Columbus police have launched a full investigation to determine what led to the collision. They are reviewing the lighting conditions, road layout, and overall visibility at the time of the crash, as well as gathering statements from the driver and examining the vehicle itself. These steps are routine in fatal incidents, allowing officers to build a clear picture of what happened and assess whether any additional safety measures may be needed.
Accidents involving large sanitation vehicles can be especially complex. These trucks often operate before sunrise, navigating neighborhoods and industrial areas when few people are on the road. The combination of darkness, quiet streets, and early work schedules can create unexpected dangers for both drivers and pedestrians. Authorities stress the importance of keeping roadways clear and exercising extra caution during these hours, when visibility is limited and reaction time is reduced.
For now, police have not indicated any wrongdoing on the part of the driver, who has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation. Meanwhile, family, friends, and neighbors are mourning the sudden loss of Kevin Courts, a man whose life was taken far too soon. As investigators continue their work, the community remains united in grief, hoping for clarity and comfort in the difficult days ahead.
