CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — New details have emerged in the fatal Walnut Creek Pike crash that killed 52-year-old Laura J. Hammond and injured two others on February 28.
Investigators with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office report that 60-year-old John F. Hill of Circleville was driving distracted at the time of the crash and told investgators that he was looking at his phone at the time of the crash, and is also suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Hill’s blood at OhioHealth Berger Hospital to test for substances.
The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. at 2611 Walnut Creek Pike. According to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, a 2025 white Nissan Sentra driven by 60-year-old John F. Hill of Circleville left the roadway, traveling through two yards before striking a 2022 white Chevrolet Equinox parked in a driveway. During the crash, Laura J. Hammond of Mt. Sterling was struck and pinned between the vehicles. She was transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey said Hammond likely saved a young child’s life by moving the juvenile out of the driveway just before the crash. The child was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at OhioHealth Berger Hospital by Circleville EMS.
Hill has a prior record that includes several convictions for drug-related offenses in Pickaway County, including trafficking in cocaine, heroin, and other possession charges in which he was convicted of.
The crash remains under investigation. Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey and authorities continue to work with multiple agencies, including Circleville Fire and EMS, Pickaway Township Fire and EMS, Harrison Township Fire and EMS, and the Pickaway County Engineers Office.
No additional charges have been announced at this time.
