COLUMBUS, OH – A woman lost her life early Monday morning in a tragic crash involving a semitruck on Interstate 70 in east Columbus, authorities confirmed.
The accident occurred at approximately 1:10 a.m., when a 2021 Freightliner semitruck was traveling eastbound on I-70 near I-270, while 27-year-old Lakayla Willis was heading west in a 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
“Lakayla… my hair braider. My therapist. My homegirl. Most importantly… a friend. We’ve gotten so close over the last few years and I’m nothing but grateful for the relationship we’ve created. A partnership I will never take for granted! This girl has been braiding my hair since 2020! I’ve been taking her pictures since 2021… the ideas we’ve come up with. The Chicfila breakfast’s we ate during my appointments. Kingston never smiling for pictures or thinking it’s a game to run! Ha! Girl, I love you so much! I love your family like my own & Kingston, of course! Just know I got them forever… Just like you always had me.Rest peacefully, baby Kayla Willis,” c.e.o and co-owner at The Camera Lab, Quaylyn Nichelle mourn in a social media post.
According to investigators, Willis’ vehicle veered off the right side of the road, striking a concrete wall. She then crossed the median, hit a guardrail, and overturned, landing in the eastbound lanes directly in the path of the oncoming semi. The truck collided with the overturned Jeep, causing catastrophic damage.
Emergency responders transported Willis to Mount Carmel East Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. She was later pronounced dead at 2:32 a.m.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the semi driver sustained any injuries.
The Columbus Police Department continues to investigate the crash. Further details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
