WARREN COUNTY, Ohio — An elementary school teacher and a devoted father, Micaela Pedicone, 28, of Lebanon, and Darnell McKinney Jr., 49, of Cincinnati, were tragically killed Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 71 in Union Township, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, leaving their families, students, and communities in deep mourning.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the fatal crash occurred just before 1 p.m. on I-71 northbound when Pedicone, who was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu southbound, crossed the median and entered the northbound lanes. Troopers say her vehicle struck a 2002 Honda Odyssey driven by McKinney head-on. Both drivers suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that neither vehicle had passengers.
Kings Local School District confirmed that Pedicone was a teacher at South Lebanon Elementary School, where she was known for her compassion, dedication, and deep care for her students and colleagues. In a statement, the district described her as a valued member of the school community whose loss is being felt profoundly throughout the district.
To allow students and staff time to grieve and heal, South Lebanon Elementary School was closed to students on January 20, 2026. Grief counselors were made available at the school from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday to support those struggling with the sudden loss of a beloved educator.
Darnell McKinney Jr. is remembered by family and friends as a loving father, son, grandfather, and uncle whose warmth and joyful spirit touched everyone he met. His daughter, Ta’Cora McKinney, told FOX19 NOW that her father was loved by many, both professionally and personally.
“Everybody loved him whether it was the kids he worked with at his school or his co-workers at his other jobs,” she said. “Even with family, he just 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.”
Following the crash, I-71 was shut down for approximately two hours as troopers investigated the scene. The interstate has since reopened, though the emotional impact of the tragedy remains heavy for those who knew and loved Pedicone and McKinney.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As Warren County and the surrounding communities mourn Micaela Pedicone and Darnell McKinney Jr., their legacies live on through the lives they touched—one through education and compassion in the classroom, the other through love, laughter, and steadfast devotion to family.
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