Kaitlyn Spahr Columbus OH Obituary, Death: A woman has died and two others remain in a critical condition following a multi-vehicle crash in Columbus that police say began as an alleged vehicle theft.
The incident occurred late on Monday night along State Route 315 North, near the King Avenue exit, where authorities temporarily closed the road for several hours as emergency crews responded. According to police, a white 2018 Mercedes-Benz was travelling in the wrong direction when it collided head-on with a black 2018 Mercedes-Benz.
All three occupants involved in the crash were initially taken to hospital in a critical condition at around 10:15 p.m. Kaitlyn Spahr, aged 32, who was a passenger in the black vehicle, later died from her injuries and was pronounced dead at 10:51 p.m. Officials confirmed she served as a senior attorney in the office of Zach Klein.
Police have charged Xiaoke Fan, 30, with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and aggravated robbery. Investigators say the sequence of events began in the Clintonville area, where Fan allegedly approached a woman and asked for help. The woman told officers she noticed an injury near Fan’s eye and agreed to drive her to Riverside Hospital.
However, upon arrival, police said Fan reportedly threatened the driver with a large rock, prompting the woman to exit the vehicle and contact authorities. Fan is then alleged to have driven away in the stolen car, entering the northbound lanes of State Route 315 while travelling southbound.
Shortly afterwards, the vehicle collided with Spahr’s car, leading to the fatal crash. The two drivers involved remain in a critical condition, according to police reports.
In a statement, Zach Klein described Spahr as a “dedicated public servant” who had worked in the City Attorney’s Office since February 2022. He praised her commitment to her role and the community, adding that her loss would be deeply felt by colleagues and residents alike.
No court date has yet been set for Fan, who remains in hospital. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.