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MAD RIVER TWP., Ohio — A tragic crash in Clark County on Wednesday morning has claimed the life of 17-year-old Abigail Campbell, a Springfield teenager remembered for her bright spirit, dedication to school, and love for athletics.

The Crash

The fatal incident occurred around 5:40 a.m. on Fairfield Pike near Hunter Road, according to the Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Investigators said Campbell was driving westbound in a 2002 Dodge Stratus when her vehicle veered off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Emergency crews arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene. The Clark County Coroner’s Office later confirmed her identity.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, though no other vehicles were involved. The cause of the accident has not yet been released.

Remembering Abigail

Abigail Campbell was a student at Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center (CTC), with her home school being Greenon Local Schools. She was active in extracurricular activities and a proud member of the Greenon girls’ tennis team, according to Superintendent Darrin Knapke.

In a heartfelt statement, Knapke expressed the community’s grief:

“We are deeply saddened to share that one of our community students, Abigail Campbell, has tragically passed away following a single-car accident. We are keeping Abigail’s family, friends, CTC, and our Greenon community in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”

Friends and classmates described Abigail as a kind-hearted young woman with a positive outlook on life. Her peers on the tennis team said she always encouraged others, whether in competition or in everyday challenges.

Support for Students

In the wake of the tragedy, Greenon has activated its Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan (TECIP) to provide counseling and emotional support for students and staff. Counselors and crisis teams will remain available throughout the week for anyone struggling to process the loss.

“We know this loss will be deeply felt,” Knapke added. “We are committed to helping our students and staff navigate the days ahead with care and compassion.”

Emergency Response

Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Enon Police Department, Mad River Township Fire and EMS, and Dan’s Towing. Their coordinated efforts ensured the scene was secured and investigated with care.

A Community in Mourning

As word of Abigail’s passing spread, tributes began pouring in across the Greenon and Springfield communities. Flowers and messages of remembrance have begun appearing near the crash site, as classmates, teammates, and neighbors search for ways to honor her memory.

“She had such a bright future,” one family friend shared. “Abigail was the kind of person who lifted others up. It’s heartbreaking to think she’s gone so soon.”

Looking Ahead

Funeral arrangements for Abigail Campbell are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, her school community continues to lean on one another for comfort, holding tight to the memories of a young life gone far too soon.

May Abigail Campbell rest in peace, and may her family and community find strength in the love and support surrounding them.

 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities have identified 32-year-old Tamara Eldridge as the victim of a tragic crash that claimed her life Monday afternoon in west Asheville. The incident has left family, friends, and the broader community grappling with shock and grief as they remember a young woman whose life was cut short far too soon.

The Crash

According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to reports of a serious collision shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday along a busy stretch of road in west Asheville. Investigators said the crash involved Eldridge’s vehicle and at least one other car. Despite immediate life-saving efforts at the scene, Eldridge succumbed to her injuries.

Authorities have not yet released details about the circumstances leading up to the crash, but investigators confirmed that speed and roadway conditions are factors under review. Police say the full accident report will be released following a comprehensive reconstruction of the scene.

Remembering Tamara Eldridge

Loved ones describe Eldridge as a caring daughter, devoted friend, and someone who left a lasting impact on those who knew her. Known for her warm smile and vibrant personality, she worked hard to support her family and was active in her local church and community gatherings.

“She had a light about her,” one family member said. “Tamara loved people, and she loved life. She was the kind of person who would do anything to help someone else.”

Friends have taken to social media to share tributes, recalling moments of laughter and kindness. Many expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could happen to someone so full of promise.

Community Mourning

The news of Eldridge’s passing has reverberated throughout Asheville, particularly in the west side neighborhood where she lived and grew up. Neighbors have placed flowers and candles near the site of the crash, creating a small but growing memorial in her honor.

Local community leaders emphasized the importance of rallying around the Eldridge family in their time of loss. “This is a heartbreaking moment for Asheville,” one community advocate said. “We stand together to support her loved ones and to remember Tamara’s life with love and respect.”

Ongoing Investigation

The Asheville Police Department has asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with information that could aid the investigation. At this time, no charges have been announced, and officials say the case remains active as they piece together what happened.

A Lasting Legacy

As her family makes preparations to honor her life, those closest to Tamara Eldridge are determined to focus on her legacy of kindness, laughter, and resilience rather than the tragedy that took her away.

“Tamara will always be remembered,” her cousin said. “She may be gone, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later this week.

May Tamara Eldridge rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the love and memories she leaves behind.

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed aboard a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, has not only shaken the community but also reopened discussion about a disturbing family history of violence tied to her accused killer.

Authorities have confirmed that Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, charged in Zarutska’s death, is the half-brother of Stacey Dejon Brown, who was convicted more than a decade ago in another shocking Charlotte homicide.

A Family Connection to Tragedy

Court records show that in 2012, Stacey Brown, then 22, pled guilty to the murder of 65-year-old Robert Heym, who was gunned down while walking home from work. The shooting occurred during a botched robbery in October of that year, carried out by Brown and accomplice Rodderick Derrick Crawford.

Prosecutors revealed that Heym was shot in the face with a sawed-off shotgun after resisting the men’s demands. Investigators later learned that Brown’s girlfriend at the time played a critical role in the investigation, telling detectives that Brown admitted to the killing and stashed the murder weapon in her backpack before attempting to hide it.

Police responding to reports of gunfire found Heym mortally wounded, and his cell phone was later recovered near the Scaleybark light rail station — a grim parallel to Zarutska’s 2025 stabbing aboard another train on the same system.

Stacey Brown’s Conviction

In Mecklenburg County court, Stacey Brown entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder, two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and breaking or entering a motor vehicle. He was sentenced to 27 to 36 years in prison.

His violent record, however, was not limited to Heym’s death.

• July 2012: Brown was involved in a string of car break-ins at a Charlotte parking garage.
• October 2012 (one day before Heym’s murder): Brown, Crawford, and Joshwah Townsend carried out an armed robbery on West Boulevard. During the crime, Brown allegedly fired a shotgun into the back of a fleeing victim, who survived but was left with serious injuries.

Both accomplices eventually accepted plea deals. Crawford pled guilty to two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and awaited sentencing, while Townsend pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was sentenced to 17 to 33 months in prison.

A Cycle of Violence

The Browns’ involvement in violent crime is not an isolated chapter. According to relatives and court records, multiple family members across generations have faced arrests for weapons possession, break-ins, and other felony charges. Some within the family have pointed to untreated mental illness, including schizophrenia, as a factor in the ongoing pattern of destructive behavior.

Community advocates say these repeated tragedies underscore a cycle of violence that devastates not only victims but also entire neighborhoods.

“This isn’t just about one case — it’s about a cycle that keeps stealing lives, peace, and futures,” one Charlotte community member said. “We have to break it. That means caring, prevention, healing, and change before another life is erased.”

Two Innocent Lives Lost

The murders of Robert Heym in 2012 and Iryna Zarutska in 2025 are separated by more than a decade but linked by a painful thread — innocent lives stolen in senseless acts of violence, both connected to the Brown family.

Heym, remembered as a hardworking man dedicated to his family, was killed on his way home from his job. Zarutska, who fled war in Ukraine to seek safety and opportunity in the United States, lost her life in a place where she should have been safe — a public train.

The echoes of both tragedies continue to resonate in Charlotte, reminding the community not only of the devastating human toll of violence but also of the urgent need to confront its root causes.

May Iryna Zarutska, Robert Heym, and all victims of senseless violence rest in peace.

 

The Elkhart Police Department is actively investigating an early morning shooting that left one man injured near the intersection of Wagner Avenue and Delaware Street.

At approximately 1:22 a.m., officers were dispatched to Elkhart General Hospital after hospital staff reported a walk-in victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, an adult male, told investigators that he was traveling in a vehicle when shots were fired at him near Wagner Ave and Delaware St.

The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment. His identity is not being released at this time.

Officers immediately began canvassing the area where the incident was believed to have occurred. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and reviewing available surveillance footage in hopes of identifying those responsible.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation.

The Elkhart Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the department by calling 574-295-7070. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP or through their online platform.

“We are working diligently to determine what happened in this incident and to identify those involved,” said an Elkhart Police Department spokesperson. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we ask that anyone who may have seen or heard something contact investigators immediately.”

Residents in the Wagner/Delaware neighborhood may notice an increased police presence as the investigation continues.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

 

QUEENS, N.Y. – Authorities in Queens are intensifying their search for Jamel McGriff, who has been officially identified as a suspect in connection with a double homicide that shook the Bellerose neighborhood earlier this week.

According to investigators, officers responded to reports of shots fired in a residential area of Bellerose, where they discovered two victims suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending family notification.

Detectives quickly launched a manhunt after gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses, which led them to name McGriff as the prime suspect. Authorities believe he fled the area shortly after the shootings and may still be within New York City or the surrounding region.

Police officials are warning that McGriff should be considered armed and dangerous. They are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid approaching him under any circumstances. Instead, anyone who encounters McGriff is encouraged to immediately dial 911 or contact the NYPD tip line.

“This was a senseless act of violence that has left two families devastated and a community on edge,” said an NYPD spokesperson. “We are doing everything in our power to track down this individual and bring him to justice. We ask for the public’s assistance in locating him, but we want to stress—do not engage. Call the authorities right away.”

The double homicide has rattled the normally quiet neighborhood of Bellerose, leaving residents shaken and concerned for their safety. Neighbors have described the incident as “horrifying” and “unimaginable,” noting that violent crimes of this magnitude are rare in the area.

Community leaders are calling for solidarity and calm as the investigation continues. Increased police presence has been noted throughout Bellerose and nearby neighborhoods as law enforcement ramps up their search.

Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, though they continue to follow leads and review surveillance footage. For now, investigators remain focused on locating McGriff and ensuring he does not harm anyone else.

The NYPD is asking anyone with information about McGriff’s whereabouts to call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)

Would you like me to also draft a community safety alert version—shorter, more direct, and structured like a police advisory—or keep it in the longer news-reporting style?

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (September 2025) — The busy intersection of International Boulevard and East Polk Street became the site of heartbreak Tuesday afternoon when 40-year-old Steven Garcia, a beloved local cyclist, was fatally struck in a hit-and-run.

At approximately 12:23 p.m., Brownsville police officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a collision involving a cyclist. When they arrived, they found Garcia lying on the pavement with fatal injuries and his bicycle mangled beyond recognition. Despite desperate efforts from bystanders who rushed to his side, Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses described the devastating moment as Garcia, known for his near-daily rides around Brownsville’s neighborhoods, was struck with such force that the driver did not stop. Instead, the vehicle sped away, leaving the community stunned and grieving.

Garcia was not just another name on a police report. Friends and family say he was a well-known and well-loved figure in Brownsville, a man who found freedom and joy in cycling. Neighbors could often spot him pedaling along familiar routes, waving at friends and chatting with local shop owners. For many, he represented the simple beauty of living fully and embracing community.

“He loved being on his bike,” one family friend shared. “It was his way of staying connected to the city, to the people, and to himself. To know that someone could hit him and leave him there—it’s unbearable.”

The Brownsville Police Department is actively investigating the hit-and-run but has acknowledged the challenges they face without a clear vehicle description. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and speaking to witnesses who were present when the tragedy unfolded.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (956) 546-TIPS, or online, where a cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.

Community advocates and cycling groups have expressed outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians in the city. The loss of Garcia, they argue, highlights the vulnerability of those who share the roads and the urgent need for accountability when lives are taken.

For Garcia’s family, however, the grief is raw and deeply personal. He leaves behind loved ones who are now grappling with the sudden and senseless loss of a man who filled their lives with light.

As flowers and candles begin to appear at the corner of International and East Polk, one thing is clear: Steven Garcia’s memory will ride on in the hearts of those who knew him, even as his community seeks justice for his final moments.

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 2025) — What began as an ordinary evening commute home turned into an unspeakable tragedy for Zarutska, a young woman remembered for her warmth, kindness, and resilience. Around 9:50 p.m. on the Lynx Blue Line train near the East/West Boulevard station, Zarutska was fatally attacked in what authorities are calling an act of senseless violence.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, surveillance video captured the chilling sequence of events. Zarutska was seated alone in the rear car, quietly scrolling through her phone after finishing a shift at the pizza restaurant where she worked. Moments later, a man identified as Brown approached her from behind without warning and stabbed her multiple times in the throat with a pocketknife. Witnesses told investigators she collapsed instantly, with no chance to defend herself, no opportunity to escape, and no reason to anticipate the sudden attack. Brown was seen walking calmly away after the assault, leaving chaos and grief in his wake.

Other passengers onboard rushed to help Zarutska as the train slowed near the station. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

For those who knew her best, Zarutska’s death is devastating on a deeply personal level. Her coworkers at the pizza restaurant described her as someone who “brought warmth and kindness to every shift,” a presence that lifted spirits even during the busiest hours. Customers remembered her smile and attentiveness, small acts of care that now feel immeasurably significant.

Her story is all the more heartbreaking given her journey to the United States. Zarutska fled Ukraine’s war-torn landscape, leaving behind the daily uncertainty of conflict in search of safety and stability. In Charlotte, she found community, work, and a chance to rebuild her life. Friends say she was just beginning to feel settled when her life was abruptly cut short.

Community leaders, advocates for immigrant safety, and local clergy have all expressed sorrow over the loss. Vigils are being organized near the East/West Boulevard station, where candles and flowers already mark the spot in tribute to a life taken too soon.

“This was not just an attack on one woman, but a reminder of the vulnerability faced by so many who come here seeking peace,” said one organizer. “Her memory deserves more than the tragedy that ended her life. She will be remembered for her courage, her kindness, and her hope.”

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has pledged to review security measures on its trains, including increased patrols and expanded surveillance coverage, in the wake of public concern. Police confirmed that Brown has been taken into custody and faces charges including first-degree murder.

As Zarutska’s family in Ukraine receives the unbearable news, her friends and coworkers in Charlotte have started fundraising efforts to help cover funeral and repatriation costs. Many say it is the least they can do to honor a woman who gave so much of herself to others.

For now, Charlotte remembers Zarutska not as a victim defined only by her final moments, but as a young woman who embodied resilience, love, and kindness — a spirit that no act of violence can erase.

 

TURNER, Maine (September 9, 2025) — A tragic crash on Auburn Road (Route 4) Tuesday morning has claimed the life of 28-year-old Jacqueline Langevin of Auburn and left another individual injured, according to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the collision occurred around 9:56 a.m. near SR1 Recreation, a stretch of road well-traveled by commuters and commercial vehicles. Initial reports indicate that one of the vehicles crossed into the opposite lane, resulting in a violent head-on collision that caused extensive damage to both cars.

Emergency responders from Turner Fire Department, Turner Rescue, and LifeFlight of Maine rushed to the scene. Despite their immediate efforts, Langevin was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. Her body was later transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for further evaluation.

The driver of the other vehicle, whose name has not yet been released, sustained injuries and was taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston for treatment. Authorities have not provided an update on their condition but said the injuries did not initially appear to be life-threatening.

Investigators with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team spent several hours at the scene, shutting down portions of Route 4 to collect evidence and document the accident site. Traffic was diverted onto nearby local roads, leading to significant delays through Turner late Tuesday morning.

Officials are still working to determine the cause of the crash. Early findings suggest that speed and road conditions may have been contributing factors, though toxicology testing and vehicle inspections will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Family and friends of Langevin are struggling to process the sudden loss of a young woman described as kindhearted, hardworking, and deeply connected to her Auburn roots. Many took to social media Tuesday afternoon to share memories, prayers, and condolences, emphasizing how much she will be missed.

Sheriff Eric Samson extended his sympathies to the victim’s family, stating:

“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Ms. Langevin during this tragic time. We are committed to conducting a full and thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of this crash.”

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area to contact the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office at (207) 753-2500.

Funeral arrangements for Jacqueline Langevin will be announced by her family in the coming days.

 

NICHOLS, N.Y. (September 9, 2025) — The New York State Police have released the names of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives in a devastating two-vehicle collision on State Route 17 in Tioga County. The victims, 45-year-old Frank J. Dempaire of Reading, Pennsylvania, and 45-year-old Elize Carlos of Newark, New Jersey, were traveling together in a passenger car that was struck by a tractor-trailer late Monday afternoon.

The crash occurred just after 5:00 p.m. in the town of Nichols, a stretch of Route 17 often congested with commercial and commuter traffic. According to the preliminary investigation, the tractor-trailer failed to slow down in time and rear-ended the passenger car carrying Dempaire and Carlos, causing catastrophic damage to the smaller vehicle.

Emergency responders from Tioga County Sheriff’s Office, Nichols Fire Department, and Greater Valley EMS rushed to the scene. Despite immediate efforts, both Dempaire and Carlos were pronounced dead at the scene. Their families have since been notified.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, whose name has not yet been released, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. State Police noted that toxicology tests and a full mechanical inspection of the tractor-trailer will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

Troopers worked for hours to reconstruct the accident, closing down the eastbound lanes of Route 17 while crews cleared debris and investigators collected evidence. The highway reopened later in the evening, but traffic delays stretched for miles.

Friends and loved ones of both victims are reeling from the sudden loss. Dempaire, remembered as a hardworking family man from Reading, leaves behind a wife and two children. Carlos, a Newark resident, was described by friends as someone who always put others first and had an infectious laugh.

The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash, including whether distracted driving, speed, or driver fatigue may have played a role.

State Police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that could assist investigators to contact the SP Owego barracks at (607) 687-3961.

As two families mourn the lives of Frank J. Dempaire and Elize Carlos, the Nichols community joins them in grief, with many calling for renewed discussions about highway safety along the busy Route 17 corridor.

 

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. (September 9, 2025) — What should have been a routine commute turned into tragedy early Monday morning when 65-year-old Charles Lufkin of Levittown lost his life in a violent three-car crash on Interstate 95.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the accident occurred at approximately 4:58 a.m. near Mile Marker 37.8 in Bensalem Township. Lufkin was traveling northbound in his 2008 Ford Fusion when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle veered into the center barrier at nearly 60 miles per hour. The force of the impact was so severe that the concrete median split the Fusion in half, scattering debris across multiple lanes.

Two other drivers, a 43-year-old Camden resident and a 68-year-old Philadelphia man, were unable to avoid the wreckage and collided with the mangled remains of Lufkin’s vehicle. Both men were evaluated for injuries at the scene. Authorities have not released their names but reported that neither suffered life-threatening harm.

Emergency responders worked quickly to secure the area, closing a stretch of I-95 for several hours during the busy morning commute. Troopers and firefighters described a harrowing scene: debris strewn across the roadway, twisted steel wedged against the concrete barrier, and the unmistakable signs of a high-speed collision.

Bucks County Coroner Patti Campi confirmed that Lufkin was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy conducted Tuesday revealed extensive trauma consistent with the crash, though toxicology results are still pending. Investigators are working to determine whether a medical episode, distraction, or another factor contributed to the fatal impact.

For Lufkin’s family, the suddenness of his death has left a painful void. Described as a quiet, hardworking man, he was known for keeping to himself but always showing up for those closest to him. Now, his loved ones are left grappling with unanswered questions and the devastating reality of his absence.

State police continue to investigate the collision, reviewing dashcam footage, roadway conditions, and mechanical evidence from the involved vehicles. Authorities are also appealing to the public: anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Trevose Barracks at 215-942-3900.

As commuters return to the same stretch of highway where the tragedy unfolded, the memory of Charles Lufkin’s final drive lingers as a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change.