WARREN COUNTY, Ohio — The community is mourning the tragic loss of Micaela Pedicone, 28, an elementary school teacher from Lebanon, and Darnell McKinney Jr., 49, a loving father from Cincinnati, following a fatal two-vehicle crash on Monday afternoon, January 19, 2026.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSP), the crash occurred on I-71 northbound in Union Township just before 1 p.m. A preliminary investigation indicates that Pedicone was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu southbound when the car crossed the median and entered northbound lanes. She collided head-on with a 2002 Honda Odyssey driven by McKinney. Both drivers died at the scene. No other passengers were in the vehicles.
Pedicone was a teacher at South Lebanon Elementary School, where she was described as a valued member of the school community who cared deeply for her students and colleagues. The Kings Local School District announced the school would be closed on January 20 to provide care and support for students and staff, and grief counselors were made available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
McKinney was remembered by his family as a loving father, son, grandfather, and uncle, who brought joy to everyone he met. His daughter, Ta’Cora McKinney, told FOX19 NOW, “Everybody loved him, whether it was the kids he worked with at his school or his co-workers at his other jobs. Even with family, he always brought everyone happiness with his smile and laughter. He was someone you could always count on and didn’t deserve to be in this unfortunate situation.”
I-71 was closed for approximately two hours following the crash but has since reopened. The OSP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
