Chillicothe – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash
that occurred US 23 northbound south of Three Locks Road.
On December 9, 2023, at approximately 10:13 P.M., A 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, driven
by Shanna Caddock, age 31, of Huntington, West Virginia, was traveling southbound on
US-23. A 2020 Volvo S90, driven by Abigail Preston, age 22, of Waverly, Ohio, was also
traveling southbound on US-23 when she failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead
and struck the Dodge Grand Caravan in the rear sending both vehicles traveling off the
left side of the roadway and across the median into the northbound lanes. A 2007 Buick,
driven by Phillip Pryor, age 68, of Zanesville, Ohio was traveling northbound on U -23
when it was struck by Ms. Preston’s vehicle. Mr. Pryor’s vehicle then traveled off the
right side of the roadway.
Ms. Caddock along with passengers James Eplin, age 41, of Chesapeake, Ohio, Tammy
Brumfield, age 50, of Proctorville, Ohio, and 3 juveniles were transported to Adena
Medical Center by Scioto Township EMS with non-life-threatening injuries.
Mr. Pryor succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. His
passenger, Teresa Schultheis, age 68, of Zanesville, Ohio, was transported to Adena
Medical Center and then to Gr ant Medical Center with serious injuries.
Ms. Preston was not injured and was determined to be impaired at the time of the crash.
She was incarcerated at the Ross County Jail on multiple charges including Aggr avated
Vehicular Homicide. Alcohol was determined to be a factor in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Ross County Sheriff’s Office,
Ross County Coroner’s Office, the Scioto Township Fire Department and the VA Fire
Department.
US-23 northbound was shut down for approximately 3 hours.
The crash remains under investigation.
