COLUMBUS, Ohio — A tragic wrong-way crash on State Route 315 has left the city of Columbus grieving after a young attorney lost her life in a violent collision late Monday night. The heartbreaking incident has shaken the community and raised serious concerns about public safety and reckless driving.
Kaitlyn Spahr, 32, a senior attorney with the Columbus City Attorney’s Office, was killed in the crash, according to police. The collision occurred around 10:15 p.m. near the King Avenue exit on SR-315 North. Investigators say a white 2018 Mercedes-Benz was traveling in the wrong direction in the northbound lanes when it slammed head-on into a black 2018 Mercedes-Benz.
Spahr was a passenger in the black Mercedes and suffered severe injuries in the crash. Emergency crews rushed her to receive medical care, but despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at 10:51 p.m. The two drivers involved in the crash were also seriously hurt and remain in critical condition at a local hospital.
Authorities say the deadly crash began with an alleged carjacking in the Clintonville area. Police report that 30-year-old Xiaoke Fan approached a woman claiming she needed help and convinced her to drive toward Riverside Hospital. Once there, Fan allegedly threatened the woman with a large rock, forcing her to flee before taking control of the vehicle.
Investigators believe Fan then drove onto SR-315 and began traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, leading to the devastating crash. She has since been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and aggravated robbery. Fan remains hospitalized with serious injuries, and officials say her court date has not yet been scheduled.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein expressed deep sorrow over Spahr’s death, describing her as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about her work and community. As the investigation continues, the city mourns a life lost far too soon, while authorities work to understand how a series of dangerous events led to such a devastating outcome.