Driver Swerves to Avoid Deer, Crashes Into Union County Residence

Marysville – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury crash that occurred Saturday, November 7, 2026, morning on State Route 31 near mile post 19 Union County.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified of a single vehicle crash that struck a private residence. The preliminary investigation showed that a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Kiara Lowry, 18 of Richwood, Ohio, was northbound on State Route 31 when it swerved to avoid striking a deer in the roadway. The vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway striking the private residence at 34272 State Route 31. The vehicle and the residence became fully engulfed. There was a total of five occupants at the residence when the crash occurred. All occupants were able to exit the residence under their own power.  

The Southeastern Hardin Fire Department was the primary agency on scene to handle the fire. The vehicle and the private residence were a total loss from the fire. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was contacted and arrived to assist on scene. 

Lowry was transported by Northwestern EMS to Memorial Hospital of Union County for minor injuries. The passenger of the vehicle was transported by MedFlight to Ohio State University Medical Center for serious injuries. One occupant from the residence sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The driver was found to be at fault for failure to control. No other contributing factors are being investigated in the crash.  Assisting agencies on scene included the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Northwestern Fire and EMS, North Union Fire and EMS, Marysville Fire Department, Emergency Management Association, Environmental Protection Agency, 24/7 Towing and Recovery, and the American Red Cross.